At a glance
CleanCleaver food safety systematic review results
What happened?
74/ 100 · 26 points taken off
9 problems found · 1 marked critical · Routine county inspection · Jul 21, 2025
At the routine inspection on Jul 21, 2025. The latest visit, on Oct 24, 2025, was a follow-up inspection. No notes were taken at it.
Is that a lot?
Most food places here got 2 to 15 points taken off. El Rancho Taqueria got more than most.
Compared with 9,600 Santa Clara County food places. Each place's last routine inspection counts.
What was found out about El Rancho Taqueria?
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: Sick-worker rules not in place K02How to fixFix it
- Permits available K49How to fixFix it
- Restroom not stocked or needs cleaning K43How 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 El Rancho Taqueria's team
Is this your place?
Welcome, El Rancho Taqueria. We'll walk through this together, one item at a time. To log the fixes, claim El Rancho Taqueria 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 El Rancho TaqueriaWe'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: Sick-worker rules not in placeThe county found: “Communicable disease; reporting/restriction/exclusion”
First step: Tell the person in charge if you have
Then the next one: Permits available
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 6-501.112, Food Code 2-201.11, Food Code 6-301.11, Food Code 3-302.11.
Try it yourself
Fix and log it: Sick-worker rules not in place
A practice run. Nothing is saved. Tap each step when it's done.
0 of 3 done
Tell the person in charge if you have
From Food Code 2-201.11
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 El Rancho TaqueriaWe'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 · 6 inspections on record · Last checked Oct 6, 2026
The county lists no visits in the last 12 months.
Nice work, El Rancho Taqueria. At the follow-up two days later, the county listed no items still open.
You cleared the re-check in two days. We're proud of you.
Fewer points taken off than last time (33 → 26). That takes a team.
Every visit
LatestOct 24, 2025Follow-up inspection
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.
This one: a follow-up inspection on Oct 24, 2025. A follow-up visit re-checks earlier items. The last routine inspection was Jul 21, 2025: 74 out of 100 (Green placard).
EarlierOct 22, 2025Routine inspectionRed placard
3 violations listed, 1 marked critical.
Critical (1)
Marked critical by County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health
The department's words
K23 No rodents, insects, birds, or animals
1. Observed Vermin: -1 live cockroach observed on floor next to steam table. -1 dead cockroach observed on floor next to griddle. 2. Photographs: yes 3. Supervisor Notified: [name] 4. Notification: The person in charge during inspection, [name], has been informed that the facility must close immediately. [CA]: The premises of each food facility must be maintained free of vermin. A facility cannot operate if there is a vermin infestation that leads to contamination of food contact surfaces, packaging, utensils, food equipment, or adulteration of food. The facility is required to cease operations immediately and must remain closed until all corrective actions on the provided checklist are completed. Requirements Before Reopening: 1. Email the signed and completed Reopening Checklist to the assigned inspector. 2. Submit a copy of the pest control report from a licensed provider.
Critical items are the ones most likely to make someone sick. This one comes first. Here's how a kitchen fixes it.
Not critical (2)
Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair
The department's words
K44 Premises clean, in good repair; Personal/chemical storage; Adequate vermin-proofing
1) Large gaps observed in wall next to range. 2) Missing outlet cover below 2 composition sink. 3) Gap observed around pipe on wall, next to water heater. [CA] A food facility shall be constructed, equipped, maintained, and operated to prevent the entrance or harborage vermin. Repair gaps and maintain in good condition.
Shelves and surfaces need cleaning
The department's words
K33 Nonfood contact surfaces clean
Heavy accumulation of grease, food debris, and dust observed on kitchen floor, cooking equipment, and shelving. [CA] Thoroughly clean and sanitize all nonfood contact surfaces to prevent buildup.
EarlierOct 7, 2025Routine inspectionGreen placard
1 violation listed, 0 marked critical.
Not critical (1)
Permits available
The department's words
K49 Permits available
Facility is operating without a valid Health Permit. Permit expired on 3/31/25. 48 hr notice was given on 10/3/25. [CA] Our records indicate this facility is operating without a valid permit and has a delinquent account. Your balance due is $ 1,975.00. Payment must be made immediately to DEH at the address at the top of this report or via our website at www.Ehinfo.org. A facility found to be in continued operation without a permit may incur a penalty of three (3) times the operating permit fee, and fee(s) for re-inspection(s) charged at the current hourly rate approved by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. Penalties and fees incurred due to enforcement activities must be paid in full prior to the issuance of an operating permit. [COS] Food employee tried calling owners to make payment. Food employee paid permit fees during inspection.
EarlierJul 21, 2025Routine inspection74 out of 100 (Green placard)
9 violations listed, 1 marked critical.
Critical (1)
Marked critical by County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health
Sick-worker rules not in place
The department's words
K02 Communicable disease; reporting/restriction/exclusion
Critical items are the ones most likely to make someone sick. This one comes first. Here's how a kitchen fixes it.
Food Code 2-201.11
How can a restaurant or home fix this?
Tell the person in charge if you have
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)
From Food Code 2-201.11
The Big 6 illnesses
4 more steps in the full guide Read the free guide
Sick workers: report it and stay home
Are you El Rancho Taqueria? Fix it
Not critical (8)
Permits available
The department's words
K49 Permits available
THE FACILITY IS OPERATING WITHOUT A CURRENT PERMIT. [CA] PROVIDE PAYMENT WITHIN 48 HRS. 48 HRS NOTICE HAS BEEN PROVIDED DUE TO NON PAYMENT.
Restroom not stocked or needs cleaning
The department's words
K43 Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, cleaned
THE RESTROOM DOOR DOES NOT SELF CLOSE. [CA] PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DOOR.
Food Code 6-302.11
How can a restaurant or home fix this?
Check the restroom
- Soap, paper towels or a dryer, toilet paper and warm water at every restroom sink.
- The door closes by itself.
- After the toilet: wash in the restroom, then wash again at the kitchen sink.
From Food Code 6-301.11
Clean it on a schedule
5 more steps in the full guide Read the free guide
Restrooms, mops and rags
The full guide has 5 more parts. Sign up to open the full guide in the app.
Are you El Rancho Taqueria? Fix it
Utensils or dishes stored wet or unwashed
The department's words
K36 Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use
FOUND A SMALL PLASTIC CUP BEING USED TO SCOOP THE SALT. [CA] USE FOOD GRADE SCOOPS WITH A HANDLE AND KEEP THE HANDLE OUTSIDE THE FOOD.
Food Code 4-901.11
How can a restaurant or home fix this?
In CleanCleaver: Check a room top to bottom
Utensils and dishes stored clean and dry
In CleanCleaver: Check a room top to bottom
Are you El Rancho Taqueria? Fix it
The department's words
K01 Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification
MISSING THE FOOD SAFETY CERTIFICATE FOR MANAGERS AND THE FOOD HANDLER'S CARDS FOR FOOD EMPLOYEES. [CA] PROVIDE THE FOOD SAFETY CERTIFICATE AND THE FOOD HANDLER'S CARDS.
Raw food not kept apart from ready-to-eat food
The department's words
K27 Food separated and protected
FOUND RAW MEAT STORED ABOVE COOKED RICE IN THE WALK IN COOLER. [CA] STORE RAW FOOD OF ANIMAL ORIGIN BELOW COOKED OR READY TO EAT FOOD.
Food Code 3-302.11
How can a restaurant or home fix this?
Top to bottom
- 1. Top: ready-to-eat food (salads, desserts, cut fruit, cooked leftovers, deli meat, cheese, drinks)
- 2. Raw fish and seafood (cooked to 145°F)
- 3. Whole cuts of beef, pork and lamb; raw shell eggs (145°F)
From Food Code 3-302.11
Keep raw meat types apart
3 more steps in the full guide Read the free guide
Fridge and freezer storage order
The full guide has 3 more parts. Sign up to open the full guide in the app.
Are you El Rancho Taqueria? Fix it
Show 3 more
No hot or cold water at a sink
The department's words
K21 Hot and cold water available
FOUND THE HOT WATER AT 114F AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. [CA] PROVIDE HOT WATER AT 120F.
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 El Rancho Taqueria? Fix it
Equipment in poor repair
The department's words
K35 Equipment, utensils: Approved, in good repair, adequate capacity
FOUND A GROCERY PLASTIC BAG BEING USED TO STORE THE RICE IN THE HOT HOLDING UNIT. [CA] USE FOOD GRADE BAGS APPROVED FOR FOOD STORAGE.
Food Code 4-101.11
How can a restaurant or home fix this?
In CleanCleaver: Look over the equipment; report anything broken
Equipment in good repair
In CleanCleaver: Look over the equipment; report anything broken
Are you El Rancho Taqueria? Fix it
Signs posted; last inspection report available
The department's words
K47 Signs posted; last inspection report available
MISSING THE HAND WASH SIGN AT THE HAND WASH SINKS. [CA] PROVIDE SIGNS.
EarlierFeb 10, 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.
EarlierJan 20, 2025Routine inspection67 out of 100 (Yellow placard)
9 violations listed, 2 marked critical.
Critical (2)
Marked critical by County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health
The department's words
K06 Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible
Lack of liquid hand cleanser at the only hand wash sink in food preparation area. [CA] Provide handwashing cleanser in dispenser at handwash stations at all times. Replace wall mounted dispenser.
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 not reheated to 165°F for hot holding
The department's words
K11 Proper reheating procedures for hot holding
PHF found re-heating in steam table. [CA] Reheating for hot holding shall be done rapidly, and the time the food is between 41°F and 165°F shall not exceed two hours.
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)
The department's words
K01 Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification
FSC is not available for review at time of inspection. [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. Food handler cards are not available for review at time of inspection. [CA] Each food handler shall maintain a valid food handler card for the duration of his or her employment as food handler. A valid food handler card shall be provided within 30 days of after the date of hire.
No hot or cold water at a sink
The department's words
K21 Hot and cold water available
Water measured a maximum of 78F at hand wash sink in restroom.[CA] Handwashing facilities shall be equipped to provide minimum 100°F water under pressure for a minimum of 15 seconds.
Signs posted; last inspection report available
The department's words
K47 Signs posted; last inspection report available
Current Environmental Health permit is not posted. [CA] The health permit issued by this department shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the food facility.
Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair
The department's words
K45 Floor, walls, ceilings: built,maintained, clean
Buildup found on floor under cooking equipment. [CA] Regularly clean under cooking equipment to prevent accumulation of debris.
The department's words
K23 No rodents, insects, birds, or animals
1 live cockroach found on the floor between preparation refrigerator and steam table. 1 dead cockroach found in the corner of steam table and preparation table. [CA] Clean and sanitize area of dead cockroaches or old droppings. Maintain facility to prevent entry/harborage of vermin.
Show 2 more
No backflow test on file
The department's words
K41 Plumbing approved, installed, in good repair; proper backflow devices
Sink basin at hand wash sink outside of restroom is in disrepair. [CA] Repair plumbing fixture and maintain in clean and good repair.
Restroom not stocked or needs cleaning
The department's words
K43 Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, cleaned
Restroom door is not self closing and propped open at time of inspection. [CA] Toilet rooms shall be separated by well-fitted, self-closing doors that prevent the passage of flies, dust, or odors.
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 El Rancho Taqueria, you can:
Learn how these get fixed
Free, step-by-step guides for each item.
- Sick-worker rules not in place Read the free guide
- Restroom not stocked or needs cleaning Read the free guide
- Utensils or dishes stored wet or unwashed In CleanCleaver: Check a room top to bottom
- Raw food not kept apart from ready-to-eat food Read the free guide
- No hot or cold water at a sink In CleanCleaver: Log hand sink and dish water temperatures
- Equipment in poor repair In CleanCleaver: Look over the equipment; report anything broken
Call El Rancho Taqueria
Ask for the manager. El Rancho Taqueria 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 El Rancho Taqueria?
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.