At a glance
CleanCleaver food safety systematic review results
What happened?
3problems found
3 problems found · 1 marked critical · Routine county inspection · Jul 30, 2026
Is that a lot?
Too few food places here for ranges. Colours show points.
Most food places here got 2 to 15 points taken off. Char & Flavor got more than most. That's from the last routine visit, on Jan 27, 2026.
Compared with 9,600 Santa Clara County food places. Each place's last routine inspection counts.
What was found out about Char & Flavor?
It's fair to care about this. Here's what the county found. Tap any item to see how a kitchen fixes it.
- Marked critical: Hand sink not ready to use K06How to fixFix it
- No backflow test on file K41How to fixFix it
- Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair K45How to fixFix it
Source: County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health
We review Santa Clara County health data to make this report. We are not the County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health.
Visit them directly at deh.santaclaracounty.gov (opens the department's site) · How we review
For Char & Flavor's team
Is this your place?
Welcome, Char & Flavor. We'll walk through this together, one item at a time. To log the fixes, claim Char & Flavor first; we check that you run it.
Your whole team can help. Each person gets one next step, and everyone can see what's done.
This is my place: claim Char & FlavorWe'll help you get every item done. You don't have to do it alone.
We know an inspection can feel heavy, especially when it's busy.
Fix it together
Follow the steps for each item, with the rule beside it.
Next: Hand sink not ready to useThe county found: “Observed lack of paper towels at handwash stations. [CA] Handwash stations shall be fully stocked and accessible at…”
First step: Hand sinks are for hands only
Then the next one: No backflow test on file
Log it
Your team logs the fix on their phones, with the time and who did it.
Show what you did
Saying what you fixed, in your own words, builds trust. Families and regulars respect a kitchen that owns it and fixes it.
Each fix step comes from the rule it names: Food Code 2-301.15, Food Code 2-301.14, Food Code 4-603.16, Food Code 6-501.112.
Try it yourself
Fix and log it: Hand sink not ready to use
A practice run. Nothing is saved. Tap each step when it's done.
0 of 3 done
Hand sinks are for hands only
From Food Code 2-301.15
Logged
That's one done. We'll be here for the next.
What people see now
Today, people see the department's words and nothing from you.
What people see after you fix and log it
Example reply
CleanCleaverBusiness reply
Your business replied to this with the public statement:
We fixed this the same day. Now our team logs it on their phones at open and close.
The date of your reply
This is not an official update to the health inspection report. The county's record is unchanged.
Most kitchens get something cited at some point. What people remember is that you fixed it.
Want to join the restaurants in Santa Clara County that keep their kitchens clean and put their guests' health first?
Claim Char & FlavorWe'll set it up with you. 25 days free.
Replies are part of a paid plan. We read each one before it goes up. You can take it down any time. Only the department can change its record.
Do you work there, and someone else owns it? I work there
What people see next
Under each item here, people see what you fixed, in your words.
Left alone, or fixed together
Left alone, the same items can come back at the next inspection. Fixed together, they're done.
Not your place?
CleanCleaver puts these same items on your team's phones, with the rule beside each one. Your binder is ready when the inspector is.
25 days free. Cancel anytime.
Inspections
From County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health · 4 inspections on record · Last checked Oct 6, 2026
The county visited 3 times in the last 12 months (2 routine, 1 follow-up).
Every visit
LatestJul 30, 2026Routine inspectionGreen placard
This one: Green placard, inspected Jul 30, 2026.
3 violations listed, 1 marked critical.
Critical (1)
Marked critical by County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health
The department's words
K06 Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible
Observed lack of paper towels at handwash stations. [CA] Handwash stations shall be fully stocked and accessible at all times. [COS] PIC restocked handwash stations at time of inspection.
Critical items are the ones most likely to make someone sick. This one comes first. Here's how a kitchen fixes it.
Food Code 5-205.11
How can a restaurant or home fix this?
Hand sinks are for hands only
- Wash only at a handwashing sink.
- Never wash hands in the dish sink, a food prep sink, a mop sink, or a drink cooler.
- Never dump drinks, rinse utensils or fill pitchers at the hand sink.
From Food Code 2-301.15
Soap and hand sanitizer
4 more steps in the full guide Read the free guide
Handwashing
The full guide has 4 more parts. Sign up to open the full guide in the app.
Are you Char & Flavor? Fix it
Not critical (2)
No backflow test on file
The department's words
K41 Plumbing approved, installed, in good repair; proper backflow devices
Observed drainpipes from the 3-compartment sink and preparation sink extend directly into the floor sink. [CA] Provide air gap between the drainpipe and the rim of the floor sink measuring at least twice the diameter of the inlet and no less than 1-inch.
Food Code 5-205.15
How can a restaurant or home fix this?
In CleanCleaver: Backflow device test
Backflow test on file
In CleanCleaver: Backflow device test
Are you Char & Flavor? Fix it
Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair
The department's words
K45 Floor, walls, ceilings: built,maintained, clean
1) Observed epoxy flooring is damaged and peeling throughout the food preparation area and employee restroom. Parts of flooring nearby the door are missing cove base. [CA] The floor surfaces in all areas where food is prepared, prepackaged, or stored shall be smooth, of durable construction, and of nonabsorbent material that is easily cleanable. Floor surfaces shall be coved at the juncture of the floor and wall with a 3/8 inch minimum radius coving and shall extend up the wall at least 4 inches. 2) Observed staining and accumulation of dust on the walls and ceiling above food preparation area. [CA] Walls and ceilings shall be maintained in clean and sanitary condition.
Food Code 6-101.11
How can a restaurant or home fix this?
In CleanCleaver: Sweep and mop
Floors, walls and ceilings clean and in repair
In CleanCleaver: Sweep and mop
Are you Char & Flavor? Fix it
EarlierJan 28, 2026Follow-up inspectionGreen placard
No notes were taken, but there was an interaction, likely addressing some or all of the prior report. No inspector comment was found. See the official report (opens the department's site) for more information.
EarlierJan 27, 2026Routine inspection60 out of 100 (Yellow placard)
10 violations listed, 3 marked critical.
Critical (3)
Marked critical by County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health
The department's words
K06 Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible
No soap or paper towels were available at the front hand washing station at time of this inspection. [CA] Handwashing cleanser shall be provided in dispensers; heated-air hand drying device may be substituted for single-use sanitary towels. [COS] The violation was corrected by setting paper towels in the dispenser and placing a soap dispenser at the handwashing station.
Critical items are the ones most likely to make someone sick. This one comes first. Here's how a kitchen fixes it.
Marked critical by County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health
The department's words
K05 Hands clean, properly washed; gloves used properly
Observed a food worker return from outside of the facility and begin food preparation without an intermediate handwashing step. [CA] Properly wash hands with soap, warm water and dry using single use paper towels as required. Gloves shall be properly used and changed when required. [COS] Specialist intervened and instructed the food employee to wash their hands properly.
Critical items are the ones most likely to make someone sick. This one comes first. Here's how a kitchen fixes it.
Marked critical by County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health
Food-contact surfaces not cleaned or sanitized right
The department's words
K14 Food contact surfaces clean, sanitized
A. **MAJOR** No sanitizer was available on site at the time of this inspection and the food worker could not demonstrate that the dishes and utensils have been properly cleaned and sanitized. B. **MINOR** Observed a food worker use a towel to dry off a metal container after washing. [CA] Manual sanitization shall be accomplished in the final sanitizing rinse by contacting a chlorine solution of 100 PPM concentration for at least 30 seconds or by contacting a quaternary ammonium solution of 200 PPM concentration for at least 60 seconds. [COS] The violation was corrected by temporarily ceasing food operations and a food worker was able to obtain chlorine bleach at the time of this inspection. Specialist instructed employee how to set up the 3-compartment sink during the inspection.
Critical items are the ones most likely to make someone sick. This one comes first. Here's how a kitchen fixes it.
Not critical (7)
Hood filters need cleaning
The department's words
K38 Adequate ventilation/lighting; designated areas, use
Observed the light in the walk in cooler to be unshielded/unprotected. [CA] Light bulbs shall be shielded, coated or otherwise shatter-resistant in areas where there is unpackaged foods, clean equipment, utensils, linens, or unwrapped single use articles.
No backflow test on file
The department's words
K41 Plumbing approved, installed, in good repair; proper backflow devices
A. Observed a small leak below the three compartment sink. B. Observed the front handwashing sink to be slowly draining. [CA] Repair plumbing fixture and maintain in clean and good repair.
The department's words
K01 Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification
The person in charge did not have a valid food manager certification. [CA] Food facilities that prepare, handle, or serve non-prepackaged potentially hazard foods shall have a valid Food Safety Certificate available for review at all times.
Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair
The department's words
K44 Premises clean, in good repair; Personal/chemical storage; Adequate vermin-proofing
A. Observed an accumulation of unused equipment stored on top of the walk in cooler. B. Observed unused equipment stored throughout the service area. [CA] The premises of a food facility shall be free of litter and items that are unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the facility, such as equipment that is nonfunctional or no longer used. C. Observed the second door leading outside from the food preparation area to be propped open. [CA] Maintain the facility fully enclosed to prevent the entrance of vermin.
Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair
The department's words
K45 Floor, walls, ceilings: built,maintained, clean
Observed an accumulation of grime on the walls behind the equipment behind the pasta preparation station and at the walls behind the pizza oven. [CA] Walls and/or floors in food preparation area shall be kept clean.
Show 2 more
Utensils or dishes stored wet or unwashed
The department's words
K36 Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use
A. Observed cutting boards and trays stored behind the faucet at the warewashing sink and preparation sink. B. Observed a deep fryer stored in the restroom. [CA] All cleaned utensils shall be stored in a clean, dry location where they are not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination, and at least six inches above the floor.
The department's words
K23 No rodents, insects, birds, or animals
Observed dead adult cockroaches on the floors and on the piping of the water heater. No evidence of live cockroaches was observed at the time of inspection. [CA] Clean and sanitize area of dead cockroaches or old droppings.
EarlierFeb 7, 2025Routine inspection79 out of 100 (Green placard)
7 violations listed, 1 marked critical.
Critical (1)
Marked critical by County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health
The department's words
K06 Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible
There were no soap and paper towel supplies in the only handwash station in the kitchen. [CA] Provide wall-mounted soap and paper towel dispensers and refill the supplies. The owner provided a pump-type soap and roll-type paper towel supplies (SA).
Critical items are the ones most likely to make someone sick. This one comes first. Here's how a kitchen fixes it.
Not critical (6)
Hood filters need cleaning
The department's words
K38 Adequate ventilation/lighting; designated areas, use
A deep fryer was being used back in the kitchen without an exhaust hood. The owner said a contractor has submitted a plan to our office to install an exhaust hood. [CA] Equipment used in frying any food products must be stored directly under the exhaust hood. Stop using the fryers immediately. Until a plan submitted to our office is reviewed and the installation approve4d, cease and desist using the fryer in the facility. The owner unplugged the fryer and removed it from the kitchen.
Utensils or dishes stored wet or unwashed
The department's words
K36 Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use
Repeated violation: Repeated violation: Some clean utensils including slicer are stored in unclean container. [CA] Store all clean utensils in clean containers in between use. Boxes of single use and other utensils were stored on the floor back in the storage area. [CA] For easy floor cleaning and to prevent insect/rodent infestation and hiding, store all utensils/equipment at least six inches off the floor on approved shelf/dunnage rack at all the time
Raw food not kept apart from ready-to-eat food
The department's words
K27 Food separated and protected
Repeated violation: Some open bag food products were stored in the dry storage area. [CA] Store all open bag food products in properly labeled bulk containers.
The department's words
K01 Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification
Repeated violation: Food safety certificate found on file is expired. Couple of the employees do not have food handler cards as well. [CA] Someone from the facility must take a food safety certificate class within two months and keep copy of the certificate on file. Employee engaged in food preparation, storage, and service and who do not have food safety certificate must take food handler cards within a month of hire as well. Food Safety Manager certificate class may be taken on the following websites: 1. Premier Food Safety: https://www.premierfoodsafety.com/food-manager-certification/california 2. Learn 2 Serve: https://www.360training.com/learn2serve/food-safety-manager/California 3. Serve Safe Manager: https://www.servsafe.com/ServSafe-Manager
Permits available
The department's words
K49 Permits available
Our records indicate this facility has a delinquent account and is operating without a valid Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health permit|. The facility has an outstanding account balance in the amount of $1,383.75 Payment must be made within 48 hours (2 business days) to the Santa Clara County DEH online at our website which is https://paydirect.link2gov.com/SantaClaraCountyDEH/ItemSearch using an account ID number AR1335964. You may also drop a business or a casher's check at our office address written on the top right corner. A re-inspection will not be conducted if your account is paid in full by 2/11/2025. The facility shall remain open, and a new valid permit will be mailed after payment has been received. If your account has not been paid in full by the Comply By date, a re-inspection will be performed, and the facility owner may be billed at the current hourly rate per County Ordinance Code B11-8. Non-payment of permit fees within 48 hours will result in additional legal actions up to and including facility closure.
Show 1 more
Equipment in poor repair
The department's words
K35 Equipment, utensils: Approved, in good repair, adequate capacity
The upright white freezer located in the kitchen is not an NSF/ANSI approved or ETL/UL Sanitation listed one. [CA] All equipment used in the facility must be NSF/ANSI approved or ETL/UL Sanitation listed one.
Source: County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health. This is the department's data, not CleanCleaver's. See the department's full record (opens the department's site)
What you can do
As a customer of Char & Flavor, you can:
Learn how these get fixed
Free, step-by-step guides for each item.
- Hand sink not ready to use Read the free guide
- No backflow test on file In CleanCleaver: Backflow device test
- Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair In CleanCleaver: Sweep and mop
Call Char & Flavor
Ask for the manager. Char & Flavor can only fix what it knows about.
Share this page
Use CleanCleaver at home
Families clean together. Chores and food dates for everyone at home.
Complain directly to the health department
We are not the health department. You can report to them on their site. Report to County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health (opens the department's site)
When regulars speak up kindly and kitchens fix things, the whole neighborhood eats well. Now you know what the inspector found, and what you can do about it.
Do you work at or run Char & Flavor?
See the plan to fix each item and show what you did.
Address thisAbout this record
Opens the county's own page for this place.
Most people don't know what a normal result looks like for a place that's open every day. The ranges use each place's last routine inspection in this area. No other county is mixed in.
100 means the inspector found no problems. Santa Clara County takes points off for each problem. Big ones take off more.
The county posts a green, yellow or red placard after each inspection, and gives routine inspections a score. In the county's data, a routine inspection with no violations listed scored 100, and the score drops as violations are found. The county's page does not say which scores or findings give each color: ask the department.
- Inspection type
- Routine inspection
- Result
- Green placard
- Source
- County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health
This is not an official ranking or grade. See the official source: County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health (opens the department's site) .
Information on this page may be out of date. Check the original source to confirm.