At a glance
CleanCleaver food safety systematic review results
What happened?
73/ 100 · 27 points taken off
9 problems found · 1 marked critical · Routine county inspection · Jun 25, 2026
Is that a lot?
Most food places here got 2 to 15 points taken off. El Rincon De Rita Llc 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 Rincon De Rita Llc?
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
- Hood filters need cleaning K38How to fixFix it
- No person in charge on duty K01How 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 Rincon De Rita Llc's team
Is this your place?
Welcome, El Rincon De Rita Llc. We'll walk through this together, one item at a time. To log the fixes, claim El Rincon De Rita Llc 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 Rincon De Rita LlcWe'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: “Major Violation Paper towels were not available at the only hand washing sink in the kitchen at the start of…”
First step: Hand sinks are for hands only
Then the next one: Hood filters need cleaning
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 4-603.16, Food Code 3-302.11, Food Code 4-301.12.
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.
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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.
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Inspections
From County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health · 3 inspections on record · Last checked Oct 6, 2026
The county visited once in the last 12 months (1 routine).
Fewer points taken off than last time (31 → 27). That takes a team.
Every visit
LatestJun 25, 2026Routine inspection73 out of 100 (Green placard)
This one: 73 out of 100 (Green placard), inspected Jun 25, 2026.
9 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
Major Violation Paper towels were not available at the only hand washing sink in the kitchen at the start of inspection. [CA] Single-use sanitary towels shall be provided in dispensers. [COS] A food worker replaced the paper towel roll as directed by the specialist. Minor Violation 2. Observed a tall trash can partially blocking the only handwashing sink in the kitchen. [CA] Handwashing facility shall be clean, unobstructed, and accessible at all times. [COS] The trash can was relocated from in front of the hand washing sink. 3. Observed permanent soap dispenser to be empty in employee restroom. Squeeze bottle of hand soap was available. [CA] Provide handwashing cleanser in a permanent dispenser at handwash stations at all times.
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 El Rincon De Rita Llc? Fix it
Not critical (8)
Hood filters need cleaning
The department's words
K38 Adequate ventilation/lighting; designated areas, use
Observed the lights in above the main cook line/preparation area to be uncovered. [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.
Food Code 6-501.14
How can a restaurant or home fix this?
In CleanCleaver: Hood filters
Hood filters clean
In CleanCleaver: Hood filters
Are you El Rincon De Rita Llc? Fix it
The department's words
K01 Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification
1. Not all food handlers have a current food handlers card. [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. 2. A current food manager certificate was unavailable for review at the 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-contact surfaces not cleaned or sanitized right
The department's words
K14 Food contact surfaces clean, sanitized
Measured the sanitizer concentration at the warewashing sink above 200 ppm chlorine during active warewashing. [CA] Manual warewashing shall be accomplished by using a three-compartment sink where the utensils are first precleaned, washed with hot soapy water, rinsed with hot water, sanitized with an approved method, and air dried. Use 1 TBS of bleach (5.25%) per 1 gal. of water for chlorine solution (100 PPM). [COS] The concentration of the solution was brought down to 100 ppm chlorine. The food employee retrieved dishes previously washed with the current batch of sanitizer to re-clean and sanitize at the approved concentration as directed by the specialist.
Food Code 4-602.11
How can a restaurant or home fix this?
Clean first, then sanitize
- 1. Scrape off food.
- 2. Wash with detergent and warm water.
- 3. Rinse off the soap (soap weakens sanitizer).
From Food Code 4-603.16
When to clean food-contact surfaces
4 more steps in the full guide Read the free guide
Cleaning vs sanitizing, and sanitizer strengths
The full guide has 4 more parts. Sign up to open the full guide in the app.
Are you El Rincon De Rita Llc? Fix it
Raw food not kept apart from ready-to-eat food
The department's words
K27 Food separated and protected
Observed raw shelled eggs stored above ready to eat foods in the two door upright cooler near the warewashing area. [CA] All food shall be separated and protected from cross-contamination. Store all raw meat or other raw products of animal origin below 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 Rincon De Rita Llc? Fix it
Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair
The department's words
K45 Floor, walls, ceilings: built,maintained, clean
Observed multiple clusters of missing/cracked floor tiles in the main food preparation area. [CA] Replace broken floor tiles with a smooth and of durable construction and nonabsorbent material that is easily cleanable.
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 El Rincon De Rita Llc? Fix it
Show 3 more
Dish sink or dish machine not set up right
The department's words
K34 Warewash facilities: installed/maintained; test strips
1. Drain stopper not available for use at three compartment sink. Food employee is using paper towels and plastic as drain stop. [CA] Provide drain stop for three compartment sink. 2. Chlorine test strips are unavailable for use to verify sanitizer concentration. [CA] Provide chlorine test paper to measure sanitizer concentration of 100 ppm when ware washing.
Food Code 4-301.12
How can a restaurant or home fix this?
Set up
- 1. Wash your hands at the hand sink (never at this sink).
- 2. Clean and sanitize all three sinks and both drainboards.
- 3. Sink 1 (WASH): detergent and water at 110°F or hotter.
From Food Code 4-301.12
Washing, step by step
3 more steps in the full guide Read the free guide
The three-compartment sink, step by step
The full guide has 3 more parts. Sign up to open the full guide in the app.
Are you El Rincon De Rita Llc? Fix it
Utensils or dishes stored wet or unwashed
The department's words
K36 Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use
1. Observed cloth towel used to cover masa at food preparation line. [CA] Discontinue the use of cloth towels in direct with food, used approved, single use materials. [COS] The towel was removed, masa separated into two containers, and original container lids used to cover the product 2. Observed multiple pots and multiuse containers stored directly on the floor in the hallway past the wareashing area. [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.
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 Rincon De Rita Llc? Fix it
Cooked food not cooled in time
The department's words
K09 Proper cooling methods
Observed multiple containers of cooked beans in deep plastic containers with a covered lid measuring between 76F-82F. It was discussed with a food worker that the beans were removed from cooking approximately 1 hour prior, set in an ice bath, and subsequently placed in the coolers approximately 1.25 hours prior. [CA] When cooling PHF's, food may be left uncovered or loosely covered to allow rapid cooling. When cooling PHF's, stir frequently to facilitate rapid cooling. Utilize metal containers to better facilitate heat transfer. [COS] The plastic containers were uncovered and beans stirred
Food Code 3-501.14
How can a restaurant or home fix this?
If you miss a stage
- Missed stage 1 (not 70°F by 2 hours): reheat to 165°F and start over, or throw it out.
- Missed stage 2 (not 41°F by 6 hours): throw it out.
How to cool fast
3 more steps in the full guide Read the free guide
Cooling food in two stages
The full guide has 3 more parts. Sign up to open the full guide in the app.
Are you El Rincon De Rita Llc? Fix it
EarlierJan 31, 2025Routine inspection69 out of 100 (Red placard)
11 violations listed, 1 marked critical.
Critical (1)
Marked critical by County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health
The department's words
K07 Proper hot and cold holding temperatures
FOUND A CONTAINER WITH BIRRIA AT 82F ON THE EDGE OF THE GRIDDLE. [CA] KEEP HOT POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT 135F OR ABOVE. THE FOOD HAS BEEN OUT OF TEMPERATURE FOR ABOUT AN HOUR, PER OPERATOR. REHEAT THE FOOD TO 165F AND HOT HOLD IT AT ABOVE 135F.
Critical items are the ones most likely to make someone sick. This one comes first. Here's how a kitchen fixes it.
Not critical (10)
Food on the floor or under drips
The department's words
K30 Food storage: food storage containers identified
FOUND A COUPLE OF SACS OF SUGAR STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA NEAR THE RESTROOM.
Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair
The department's words
K44 Premises clean, in good repair; Personal/chemical storage; Adequate vermin-proofing
FOUND A JACKET AND A PURSE ON THE DRY STORAGE SHELF NEAR THE MOP SINK AND A JACKET ON A DRY STORAGE SHELF NEAR THE RESTROOM. FOUND A CUP WITH COFFEE AND KEYS STORED ON A TABLE NEXT TO FOOD ITEMS IN THE KITCHEN. [CA] STORE PERSONAL ITEMS SEPARATE AND AWAY FROM FOOD OR FOOD RELATED ITEMS. FOUND THE FOOD PREPARATION SINK BEING USED TO CLEAN FOOD EQUIPMENT. [CA] DO NOT USE THIS SINK TO CLEAN DISHES.
Sewage or wastewater not disposed of right
The department's words
K22 Sewage and wastewater properly disposed
THERE IS ACCUMULATION OF WASTE WATER IN A SEALED FLOOR SINK. [CA] REMOVE THE WATER AND KEEP IT CLEAN.
Equipment in poor repair
The department's words
K35 Equipment, utensils: Approved, in good repair, adequate capacity
REPEAT VIOLATION FOUND A SINGLE BURNER STOVE CONNECTED TO A PROPANE TANK IN THE CENTER OF THE KITCHEN. [CA] DO NOT USE THIS EQUIPMENT IN THE KITCHEN. REMOVE THE SINGLE BURNER STOVE AND PROPANE TANK FROM THE PREMISES.
Dish sink or dish machine not set up right
The department's words
K34 Warewash facilities: installed/maintained; test strips
MISSING CHLORINE TEST STRIPS TO MEASURE 100 PPM CONCENTRATION. [CA] PROVIDE TEST STRIPS.
Show 5 more
Utensils or dishes stored wet or unwashed
The department's words
K36 Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use
FOUND SEVERAL LARGE POTS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA. [CA] STORE CLEAN POTS 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.
Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair
The department's words
K45 Floor, walls, ceilings: built,maintained, clean
FOUND MISSING SEVERAL TILES FROM THE FLOOR IN THE KITCHEN. [CA] REPAIR THE FLOOR.
Wiping cloths left out of sanitizer
The department's words
K40 Wiping cloths: properly used, stored
FOUND A COUPLE OF WIPING CLOTHS ON THE COUNTERS IN THE KITCHEN. [CA] STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZER SOLUTION WHILE NOT IN USE.
The department's words
K06 Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible
FOUND A COUPLE OF LARGE POTS STORED IN FRONT OF THE HAND WASH SINK IN THE KITCHEN. [CA] PROVIDE ACCESS TO HAND WASHING AT ALL TIMES. REMOVE THE POTS. COS.
EarlierJan 31, 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.
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 Rincon De Rita Llc, 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
- Hood filters need cleaning In CleanCleaver: Hood filters
- Food-contact surfaces not cleaned or sanitized right Read the free guide
- Raw food not kept apart from ready-to-eat food Read the free guide
- Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair In CleanCleaver: Sweep and mop
- Dish sink or dish machine not set up right Read the free guide
- Utensils or dishes stored wet or unwashed In CleanCleaver: Check a room top to bottom
- Cooked food not cooled in time Read the free guide
Call El Rincon De Rita Llc
Ask for the manager. El Rincon De Rita Llc can only fix what it knows about.
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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 Rincon De Rita Llc?
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
- 73 out of 100 (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.