At a glance
CleanCleaver food safety systematic review results
What happened?
73/ 100 · 27 points taken off
7 problems found · 2 marked critical · Routine county inspection · Apr 15, 2026
At the routine inspection on Apr 15, 2026. The latest visit, on Apr 20, 2026, 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. Tapioca Express 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 Tapioca Express?
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: Food-contact surfaces not cleaned or sanitized right K14How to fixFix it
- Marked critical: Hot food below 135°F K07How to fixFix it
- Utensils or dishes stored wet or unwashed K36How 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 Tapioca Express' team
Is this your place?
Welcome, Tapioca Express. We'll walk through this together, one item at a time. To log the fixes, claim Tapioca Express 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 Tapioca ExpressWe'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: Food-contact surfaces not cleaned or sanitized rightThe county found: “Observed employee actively conducting warewashing of utensils and blenders without the use of sanitizer. [CA] Manual…”
First step: Clean first, then sanitize
Then the next one: Hot food below 135°F
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 4-603.16.
Try it yourself
Fix and log it: Food-contact surfaces not cleaned or sanitized right
A practice run. Nothing is saved. Tap each step when it's done.
0 of 3 done
Clean first, then sanitize
From Food Code 4-603.16
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 Tapioca ExpressWe'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.
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CleanCleaver puts these same items on your team's phones, with the rule beside each one. Your binder is ready when the inspector is.
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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 2 times in the last 12 months (1 routine, 1 follow-up).
Nice work, Tapioca Express. At the follow-up five days later, the county listed no items still open.
You cleared the re-check in five days. We're proud of you.
Every visit
LatestApr 20, 2026Follow-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 Apr 20, 2026. A follow-up visit re-checks earlier items. The last routine inspection was Apr 15, 2026: 73 out of 100 (Yellow placard).
EarlierApr 15, 2026Routine inspection73 out of 100 (Yellow placard)
7 violations listed, 2 marked critical.
Critical (2)
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
Observed employee actively conducting warewashing of utensils and blenders without the use of sanitizer. [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] Specialist intervened and directed employees to set up the 3-compartment sink with sanitizer solution. All food contact surfaces including blenders shall be routinely cleaned and sanitized after use. Discussed the use of the 3-compartment sink at the front for sanitizing blenders.
Critical items are the ones most likely to make someone sick. This one comes first. Here's how a kitchen fixes it.
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 Tapioca Express? Fix it
Marked critical by County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health
The department's words
K07 Proper hot and cold holding temperatures
In the walk-in cooler, measured multiple Potentially Hazardous Foods (chicken, eggs, fish balls, tofu, milk, yogurt) from 46-49F. In the 2-door preparation unit at the front service area, measured milk and yogurt at 50F. Per PIC, all foods have been stored since overnight. [CA] Potentially Hazardous Foods shall be kept at 41F or below or 135F or above. [COS] Foods were voluntarily condemned and discarded during inspection. See VC&D form.
Critical items are the ones most likely to make someone sick. This one comes first. Here's how a kitchen fixes it.
Food Code 3-501.16(A)(1)
How can a restaurant or home fix this?
If food is out of range
- Hot food below 135°F for less than 2 hours: reheat to 165°F.
- Cold food above 41°F for less than 2 hours: chill it right away.
- Unknown time or longer: throw it out.
Which foods need temperature control (TCS)
3 more steps in the full guide Read the free guide
Hot and cold holding
The full guide has 3 more parts. Sign up to open the full guide in the app.
Are you Tapioca Express? Fix it
Not critical (5)
Utensils or dishes stored wet or unwashed
The department's words
K36 Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use
Observed working utensils are stored in standing water. [CA] Utensils shall be stored in the following manner: 1) in the food with their handles above the top of the food and the container, 2) in running water, 3) in a container of water at 135°F or above, 4) at room temperature if washed within 4 hours of initial use.
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 Tapioca Express? Fix it
The department's words
K01 Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification
Actively working employees lack food handler cards. [CA] Food handlers shall maintain a valid food handler card for the duration of their employment as a food handler. Food handler card shall be available for review.
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 excessive clutter and unused equipment in the back storage 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.
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 Tapioca Express? Fix it
Thermometer missing or reading wrong
The department's words
K39 Thermometers provided, accurate
Facility lacks a metal probe thermometer for monitoring internal temperatures. [CA] An accurate easily readable metal probe thermometer (accurate to +/- 2°F) that is designed to measure the temperature of thin masses shall be provided and readily available to accurately measure the temperatures of potentially hazardous foods.
Food Code 4-203.11
How can a restaurant or home fix this?
Ice-water method
- 1. Fill a large glass with crushed ice, then add cold water to the top. Stir.
- 2. Put the probe in the center, not touching the sides or bottom. A dial thermometer goes at least 2 inches deep, past the dimple.
- 3. Wait 30 seconds, or until the reading stops moving.
- 4. It should read 32°F. If not, adjust it (dial: turn the nut under the head with a wrench; digital: press reset per the maker). Replace it if it can't be adjusted.
Using and cleaning it
3 more steps in the full guide Read the free guide
Thermometers and calibration
The full guide has 3 more parts. Sign up to open the full guide in the app.
Are you Tapioca Express? Fix it
Equipment in poor repair
The department's words
K35 Equipment, utensils: Approved, in good repair, adequate capacity
Measured the ambient temperature of the walk-in cooler at 48F. Measured the ambient temperature of the front 2-door preparation unit at 50F. Measurement taken using a metal probe thermometer stored inside both units without opening for more than 20 minutes. [CA] Refrigeration units shall maintain foods at 41F or below. Discontinue storage of Potentially Hazardous Foods until the unit is repaired.
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 Tapioca Express? Fix it
EarlierMar 12, 2025Routine inspection88 out of 100 (Green placard)
3 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
Cups of water melon, cantaloupe and honeydew in front counter area measured between 46F-49F. Per PIC, food was in fridge since yesterday. [CA] PHFs shall be held at 41°F or below. [COS] PIC VC&D items.
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)
Equipment in poor repair
The department's words
K35 Equipment, utensils: Approved, in good repair, adequate capacity
Cardboard was used as liner on shelving. [CA] Discontinue the use of cardboard boxes to line shelves/flooring, use approved equipment made of materials that is easily cleanable, durable, smooth, and nonabsorbent. Fridge ambient temperature measured at 48F in the front holding PHF. [CA] Refrigeration must be capable of maintaining PHFs at 41°F or below.
Thermometer missing or reading wrong
The department's words
K39 Thermometers provided, accurate
Missing thermometer in fridges in the front area. [CA] A thermometer +/- 2°F shall be provided and correctly located in each hot and cold holding unit containing potentially hazardous foods.
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 Tapioca Express, you can:
Learn how these get fixed
Free, step-by-step guides for each item.
- Food-contact surfaces not cleaned or sanitized right Read the free guide
- Hot food below 135°F Read the free guide
- Utensils or dishes stored wet or unwashed In CleanCleaver: Check a room top to bottom
- Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair In CleanCleaver: Sweep and mop
- Thermometer missing or reading wrong Read the free guide
- Equipment in poor repair In CleanCleaver: Look over the equipment; report anything broken
Call Tapioca Express
Ask for the manager. Tapioca Express can only fix what it knows about.
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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 Tapioca Express?
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.