At a glance
CleanCleaver food safety systematic review results
What happened?
1problem found
1 problem found · 1 marked critical · County inspection, Follow-up inspection · Feb 20, 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. Chennai Tiffins got more than most. That's from the last routine visit, on Feb 19, 2026.
Compared with 9,600 Santa Clara County food places. Each place's last routine inspection counts.
What was found out about Chennai Tiffins?
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: No hot or cold water at a sink K21How 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 Chennai Tiffins' team
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Follow the steps for each item, with the rule beside it.
Next: No hot or cold water at a sinkThe county found: “Major: Water temperature at the three composition sinks measured 90F. Minor: Water temperature at the kitchen hand…”
Then the next one.
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Each fix step comes from the rule it names: Food Code 2-301.14, Food Code 2-301.15, Food Code 6-501.112, Food Code 3-302.11.
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Inspections
From County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health · 4 inspections on record · Last checked Oct 6, 2026
The county visited 2 times in the last 12 months (1 routine, 1 follow-up).
Every visit
LatestFeb 20, 2026Follow-up inspectionGreen placard
This one: Green placard, inspected Feb 20, 2026.
1 violation listed, 1 marked critical.
Critical (1)
Marked critical by County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health
No hot or cold water at a sink
The department's words
K21 Hot and cold water available
Major: Water temperature at the three composition sinks measured 90F. Minor: Water temperature at the kitchen hand wash sink measured 90F. [CA] Hot water shall be supplied at a minimum temperature of at least 120°F measured from the faucet throughout facility except at hand wash sinks. Hand wash sinks shall be equipped to provide minimum 100°F water under pressure for a minimum of 15 seconds. [COS] Operator adjusted water heater. Water temperature remeasured at a maximum of 130F.
Critical items are the ones most likely to make someone sick. This one comes first. Here's how a kitchen fixes it.
Food Code 5-103.11
How can a restaurant or home fix this?
In CleanCleaver: Log hand sink and dish water temperatures
Hot and cold water at every sink
In CleanCleaver: Log hand sink and dish water temperatures
Are you Chennai Tiffins? Fix it
EarlierFeb 19, 2026Routine inspection36 out of 100 (Red placard)
16 violations listed, 5 marked critical.
Critical (5)
Marked critical by County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health
Cooked food not cooled in time
The department's words
K09 Proper cooling methods
Food was observed set on a preparation table at ambient temperature measured at 131F, 81F, and 97F. The person in charge stated that the foods were set at ambient temperature approximately 2 hours prior and set aside for personal consumption. [CA] After heating or hot holding, Potentially Hazardous Foods (PHFs) shall be cooled rapidly from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours and from 70°F to 41°F within 4 hours. Approved cooling methods include: 1) Placing the food in shallow pans 2) Separating the food into thinner or smaller portions. 3) Using rapid cooling equipment (Ex. blast chiller) 4) Using containers that facilitate heat transfer (ex. stainless steel) 5) Adding ice as an ingredient. 6) Using ice paddles 7) Using an ice bath and stirring frequently 8) Accordance with a HACCP plan. Cooling foods shall have enough space around the containers for cold air to circulate, be loosely covered, or uncovered and stirred as frequently needed to evenly cool. [SA] The foods were set aside to be consumed within two hours with any remainder being discarded.
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 wipe their nose while at the cooks line and subsequently use a spatula in conjunction with their hands to remove dosa off of the flat grill. [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] The violation was corrected by the specialist directing the dosa to be discarded and directing the food worker to successfully wash their hands before resuming food preparation.
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
Sewage or wastewater not disposed of right
The department's words
K22 Sewage and wastewater properly disposed
Observed the warewashing sink to drain directly onto the floor throughout the warewashing area in front of the walk in cooler. The wastewater piping was observed removed at the terminal end. The manager stated that the piping between the grease interceptor and three compartment sink was damaged and then removed. [CA] Food facility shall not operate if there is sewage overflowing or backing up in the food facility. The food facility, or impacted areas, shall remain closed until all plumbing problems have been corrected and all contaminated surfaces have been cleaned and sanitized.
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
K06 Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible
1. The only kitchen handwashing sink was observed blocked by a large rolling trash can in front of the station with a wiping cloth bucket stored in the basin of the sink at the start of this inspection. [CA] Maintain the handwashing sink accessible and unobstructed at all times. [COS] The wiping cloth bucket and trash can were relocated at this time. 2. Soap was not available at the kitchen hand washing sink. [CA] Handwashing cleanser shall be provided in dispensers; heated-air hand drying device may be substituted for single-use sanitary towels. [COS] A pump bottle of soap was placed at the kitchen hand washing sink by the manager.
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
K07 Proper hot and cold holding temperatures
1. Potentially hazardous foods stored in the walk in cooler since the previous night measured between 49F - 51F. The walk in cooler was determined to be inoperable at this time. [CA] PHFs shall be held at 41°F or below or at 135°F or above. [COS] All potentially hazardous foods in the walk in cooler were discarded. See attached VC&D form. 2. Multiple containers of cooked vegetables and soups in the steam table measured below 135F at the top portions of the containers (115F-120F), and above 135F at the lower portions of the containers. The person in charge stated that the foods were cooked and placed in the unit approximately 1.5 hours prior. [CA] Maintain PHF above 135F while hot holding. [COS] The foods were returned to the stove to reheat above 165F.
Critical items are the ones most likely to make someone sick. This one comes first. Here's how a kitchen fixes it.
Not critical (11)
The department's words
K23 No rodents, insects, birds, or animals
1. Observed two dead adult cockroaches in a metal bowl/container in the back storage area. No other evidence of cockroach activity was observed at this time. 2. Observed two dried rodent droppings on top of and on the floor below the one door reach in cooler near the kitchen entrance and two dried rodent droppings on the floor below the storage table adjacent to the walk in cooler. [CA] Clean and sanitize area of dead cockroaches or old droppings.
Hood filters need cleaning
The department's words
K38 Adequate ventilation/lighting; designated areas, use
1. Observed a heavy accumulation of grease throughout the filters of the ventilation hood. [CA] All hood ventilation filters shall be in place and in good repair. 2. Observed the flat top grill to be installed not fully below the ventilation hood. [CA] There shall be a minimum of 6 inches overhang of ventilation hood over cooking equipment.
No backflow test on file
The department's words
K41 Plumbing approved, installed, in good repair; proper backflow devices
1. Observed the waste water pipe below the three compartment sink to be missing the section of piping connecting the sink to the grease interceptor, resulting in waste water being discharged onto the floor. 2. Observed a hosebib located behind the preparation table near the warewashing area to be leaking. [CA] All plumbing and plumbing fixtures shall be installed in compliance with applicable local plumbing ordinances, shall be maintained so as to prevent any contamination, and shall be kept clean, fully operative, and in good repair.
Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair
The department's words
K44 Premises clean, in good repair; Personal/chemical storage; Adequate vermin-proofing
Observed unused equipment throughout the facility including: - throughout the inoperable walk in cooler - non-operational preparation cooler at the kitchen entrance - above the walk in cooler/freezer [CA] Remove unused/excess equipment that may contribute to the harborage of vermin. 2. Observed personal medication stored above spices at the dry storage shelf between the warewashing area and cooks line. [CA] No person shall store clothing or personal effects in any area used for the storage and preparation of food or food contact surfaces.
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 floors and walls throughout the facility including but not limited to: - The floors below the equipment at the cooks line - The floors below the coolers at the preparation linew - The floors throughout the warewashing - The walls behind the cooks line [CA] Walls and/or floors in food preparation area shall be kept clean.
Show 6 more
Thermometer missing or reading wrong
The department's words
K39 Thermometers provided, accurate
A probe thermometer was not available at the time of inspection. [CA] A thermometer +/- 2°F shall be provided and correctly located in each hot and cold holding unit containing potentially hazardous foods.
Shelves and surfaces need cleaning
The department's words
K33 Nonfood contact surfaces clean
Remove the accumulation of grease throughout the shelving throughout the facility and the equipment at the cooks line. [CA] Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.
The department's words
K01 Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification
A valid food safety manager certification was not available at this time. The person in charge stated that their certification is expired. [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.
Raw food not kept apart from ready-to-eat food
The department's words
K27 Food separated and protected
Observed multiple spice containers stored without lids at the storage shelf between the cooking area and warewashing area. [CA] Store open bulk foods in approved NSF containers with tight fitting lids.
Utensils or dishes stored wet or unwashed
The department's words
K36 Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use
Observed single use yogurt containers being re-used for food storage [CA] All utensils and equipment shall be certified or classified for sanitation by an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited certification program (e.g. NSF, UL EPH, UL Sanitation, CSA Sanitation, or ETL Sanitation).
Equipment in poor repair
The department's words
K35 Equipment, utensils: Approved, in good repair, adequate capacity
1. The walk in cooler was determined to be unable to maintain potentially hazardous foods at or below 41F. The ambient temperature of the unit measured at 50F via IR and thermopen. [CA] Refrigeration must be capable of maintaining PHFs at 41°F or below. 2. Observed a food worker using a measuring device without a handle to dispense batter for cooking. [CA] Utilize a utensil with a dedicated handle to prevent cross contamination. 3. Repair the gasket for the two door upright cooler at the back storage room. [CA] Maintain equipment in good repair. 4. Observed the walk in freezer door to not be fully secured to the hinges. [CA] Maintain equipment in good repair.
EarlierMar 13, 2025Follow-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.
EarlierMar 11, 2025Routine inspection80 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
The drain pipe is broken off from the handwash sink making the only handwash sink in the kitchen not accessible. [Corrective Action] The handwash sink shall be properly functioning, be able to drain and accessible at all times. Install the drain pipe at the handwash sink. [Suitable Alternative] Employees are to temporarily wash hands in the right compartment of the 3 compartment prep sink.
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)
Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair
The department's words
K44 Premises clean, in good repair; Personal/chemical storage; Adequate vermin-proofing
Personal items observed stored on bags of rice and soda cans in the dry storage room. [Corrective Action] Store personal items in designated areas away from food products.
Signs posted; last inspection report available
The department's words
K47 Signs posted; last inspection report available
The health permit observed not posted in public view. [Corrective Action] Post the current valid health permit in public view.
Shelves and surfaces need cleaning
The department's words
K33 Nonfood contact surfaces clean
Heavy grime and oil observed on the sides of the deep fryer and the 2 door prep cooler. [Corrective Action] Thoroughly clean and maintain clean.
Equipment in poor repair
The department's words
K35 Equipment, utensils: Approved, in good repair, adequate capacity
The door for the walk-in freezer is broken. Per employee, the walk-in freezer is only used to stored dry goods. [Corrective Action] Repair the door or remove the door.
Food on the floor or under drips
The department's words
K30 Food storage: food storage containers identified
Bulk storage containers of white food substance in the dry storage room are not labeled. [Corrective Action]Label each bulk container with the common name of the food.
Show 1 more
Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair
The department's words
K45 Floor, walls, ceilings: built,maintained, clean
1. Flooring in the walk-in cooler cooler observed to be exposing the wood portion and covered with carpet. [Corrective Action] Ensure the flooring in the walk-in cooler is smooth, durable and easily cleanable. 2. Portion of the wall at the entry way into the cookline from the prep area observed with paint chipping away from the wall. [Corrective Action] Maintain wall in good condition.
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 Chennai Tiffins, you can:
Learn how these get fixed
Free, step-by-step guides for each item.
- No hot or cold water at a sink In CleanCleaver: Log hand sink and dish water temperatures
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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.
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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
- Follow-up 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.