EL TULE MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 5440 Thornwood Drive I, San Jose, CA 95123 - Restaurant inspection findings and violations



Business Info

Restaurant: EL TULE MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Address: 5440 Thornwood Drive I, San Jose, CA 95123
Type: Restaurant 0-5 Employees
Total inspections: 11
Last inspection: Jul 23, 2013
Score
(the higher the better)

98

Restaurant representatives - add corrected or new information about EL TULE MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 5440 Thornwood Drive I, San Jose, CA 95123 »


Inspection findings

Inspection Type

Inspection Date

Inspection Score
(the higher the better)

  • Food storage containers identified
  • Hands clean & properly washed gloves used properly...
  • Premises personal/cleaning items vermin-proofing
Routine Inspection Mar 3, 2010 97
  • Adequate handwash facilities supplied & accessible...
  • Food storage containers identified
  • Hands clean & properly washed gloves used properly...
Routine Inspection Jun 30, 2010 97
  • Adequate handwash facilities supplied & acc...
  • Adequate handwash facilities supplied & accessible...
  • Food separated and protected
  • Hands clean & properly washed gloves used properly...
  • Personal cleanliness and hair restraints
Routine Inspection Dec 28, 2010 95
  • Adequate handwash facilities supplied & acc...
  • Adequate handwash facilities supplied & accessible...
  • Approved thawing methods used, frozen food
  • Food contact surfaces: clean and sanitized
  • Food separated and protected
  • Hands clean & properly washed gloves used properly...
  • Premises personal/cleaning items vermin-proofing
Routine Inspection Apr 6, 2011 93
  • Adequate handwash facilities supplied & acc...
  • Adequate handwash facilities supplied & accessible...
  • Hands clean & properly washed gloves used properly...
  • Wiping cloths: properly used and stored
Routine Inspection Oct 26, 2011 92
  • Adequate handwash facilities supplied & acc...
  • Adequate handwash facilities supplied & accessible...
  • Demonstration of knowledge food mgr certification
  • Hands clean & properly washed gloves used properly...
  • Premises personal/cleaning items vermin-proofing
Routine Inspection May 3, 2012 91
  • Adequate handwash facilities supplied & acc...
  • Approved thawing methods used, frozen food
  • Demonstration of knowledge food mgr certification
  • Proper cooling methods
  • Proper cooling methods
Routine Inspection Dec 14, 2012 91
No violation noted during this evaluation. Enforcement Action Dec 14, 2012 100
  • Equipment, utensils - Unapproved, unclean, not in good repair, inadequate capacity
  • Equipment, utensils, linens: Improper storage and use
  • Food contact surfaces unclean and unsanitized
  • Food not separated and unprotected
  • Improper hot and cold holding temperatures
  • Inadequate handwash facilities: supplied or accessible
  • Observed rodents, insects, birds, or animals
  • Thermometers missing or inaccurate
  • Wiping cloths: improperly used and stored
Routine Inspection Jun 24, 2013 91
No violation noted during this evaluation. Enforcement Action Jun 24, 2013 100
  • Food storage containers are not identified
  • Inadequate handwash facilities: supplied or accessible
Routine Inspection Jul 23, 2013 98

Violation descriptions and comments

Mar 3, 2010

Food shall be stored in approved containers and labeled as to contents. Food shall be stored at least 6" above the floor on approved shelving. (114047, 114049, 114051, 114053, 114055, 114067(h), 114069 (b))
The premises of each food facility shall be kept clean and free of litter and rubbish all clean and soiled linen shall be properly stored non-food items shall be stored and displayed separate from food and food-contact surfaces the facility shall be kept vermin proof. (114067 (j), 114123, 114143 (a) & (b), 114256, 114256.1, 114256.2, 114256.4, 114257, 114257.1, 114259, 114259.2, 114259.3, 114279, 114281, 114282)
Employees are required to wash their hands: before beginning work before handling food / equipment / utensils as often as necessary, during food preparation, to remove soil and contamination when switching from working with raw to ready to eat foods, after touching body parts after using toilet room or any time when contamination may occur. (113952, 113953.3, 113953.4, 113961, 113968, 113973 (b-f))

Jun 30, 2010

Food shall be stored in approved containers and labeled as to contents. Food shall be stored at least 6" above the floor on approved shelving. (114047, 114049, 114051, 114053, 114055, 114067(h), 114069 (b))
Employees are required to wash their hands: before beginning work before handling food / equipment / utensils as often as necessary, during food preparation, to remove soil and contamination when switching from working with raw to ready to eat foods, after touching body parts after using toilet room or any time when contamination may occur. (113952, 113953.3, 113953.4, 113961, 113968, 113973 (b-f))
Handwashing soap and towels or drying device shall be provided in dispensers dispensers shall be maintained in good repair. (113953.2) Adequate facilities shall be provided for hand washing, food preparation and the washing of utensils and equipment. (113953, 113953.1, 114067(f))

Dec 28, 2010

Employees are required to wash their hands: before beginning work before handling food / equipment / utensils as often as necessary, during food preparation, to remove soil and contamination when switching from working with raw to ready to eat foods, after touching body parts after using toilet room or any time when contamination may occur. (113952, 113953.3, 113953.4, 113961, 113968, 113973 (b-f))
Handwashing soap and towels or drying device shall be provided in dispensers dispensers shall be maintained in good repair. (113953.2) Adequate facilities shall be provided for hand washing, food preparation and the washing of utensils and equipment. (113953, 113953.1, 114067(f))
All employees preparing, serving or handling food or utensils shall wear clean, washable outer garments or uniforms and shall wear a hairnet, cap, or other suitable covering to confine hair. (113969, 113971)
All food shall be separated and protected from contamination. (113984 (a, b, c, d, f), 113986, 114060, 114067(a, d, e, j), 114069(a, b), 114077, 114089.1 (c), 114143 (c))
Handwashing soap and towels or drying device shall be provided in dispensers dispensers shall be maintained in good repair. (113953.2) Adequate facilities shall be provided for hand washing, food preparation and the washing of utensils and equipment. (113953, 113953.1, 114067(f))

Apr 6, 2011

Handwashing soap and towels or drying device shall be provided in dispensers dispensers shall be maintained in good repair. (113953.2) Adequate facilities shall be provided for hand washing, food preparation and the washing of utensils and equipment. (113953, 113953.1, 114067(f))
All food contact surfaces of utensils and equipment shall be clean and sanitized. (113984(e), 114097, 114099.1, 114099.4, 114099.6, 114101 (b-d), 114105, 114109, 114111, 114113, 114115 (a, b, d), 114117, 114125(b), 114135, 114141)
Food shall be thawed under refrigeration completely submerged under cold running water of sufficient velocity to flush loose particles in microwave oven during the cooking process. (114018, 114020, 114020.1)
All food shall be separated and protected from contamination. (113984 (a, b, c, d, f), 113986, 114060, 114067(a, d, e, j), 114069(a, b), 114077, 114089.1 (c), 114143 (c))
The premises of each food facility shall be kept clean and free of litter and rubbish all clean and soiled linen shall be properly stored non-food items shall be stored and displayed separate from food and food-contact surfaces the facility shall be kept vermin proof. (114067 (j), 114123, 114143 (a) & (b), 114256, 114256.1, 114256.2, 114256.4, 114257, 114257.1, 114259, 114259.2, 114259.3, 114279, 114281, 114282)
Employees are required to wash their hands: before beginning work before handling food / equipment / utensils as often as necessary, during food preparation, to remove soil and contamination when switching from working with raw to ready to eat foods, after touching body parts after using toilet room or any time when contamination may occur. (113952, 113953.3, 113953.4, 113961, 113968, 113973 (b-f))
Handwashing soap and towels or drying device shall be provided in dispensers dispensers shall be maintained in good repair. (113953.2) Adequate facilities shall be provided for hand washing, food preparation and the washing of utensils and equipment. (113953, 113953.1, 114067(f))

Oct 26, 2011

Employees are required to wash their hands: before beginning work before handling food / equipment / utensils as often as necessary, during food preparation, to remove soil and contamination when switching from working with raw to ready to eat foods, after touching body parts after using toilet room or any time when contamination may occur. (113952, 113953.3, 113953.4, 113961, 113968, 113973 (b-f))
Handwashing soap and towels or drying device shall be provided in dispensers dispensers shall be maintained in good repair. (113953.2) Adequate facilities shall be provided for hand washing, food preparation and the washing of utensils and equipment. (113953, 113953.1, 114067(f))
Handwashing soap and towels or drying device shall be provided in dispensers dispensers shall be maintained in good repair. (113953.2) Adequate facilities shall be provided for hand washing, food preparation and the washing of utensils and equipment. (113953, 113953.1, 114067(f))
Wiping cloths used to wipe service counters, scales or other surfaces that may come into contact with food shall be used only once unless kept in clean water with sanitizer. (114135, 114185.1 114185.3 (d-e))

May 3, 2012

The premises of each food facility shall be kept clean and free of litter and rubbish all clean and soiled linen shall be properly stored non-food items shall be stored and displayed separate from food and food-contact surfaces the facility shall be kept vermin proof. (114067 (j), 114123, 114143 (a) & (b), 114256, 114256.1, 114256.2, 114256.4, 114257, 114257.1, 114259, 114259.2, 114259.3, 114279, 114281, 114282)
Handwashing soap and towels or drying device shall be provided in dispensers dispensers shall be maintained in good repair. (113953.2) Adequate facilities shall be provided for hand washing, food preparation and the washing of utensils and equipment. (113953, 113953.1, 114067(f))
All food employees shall have adequate knowledge of and be trained in food safety as it relates to their assigned duties. (113947) Food facilities that prepare, handle or serve non-prepackaged potentially hazardous food, shall have an employee who has passed an approved food safety certification examination.
Employees are required to wash their hands: before beginning work before handling food / equipment / utensils as often as necessary, during food preparation, to remove soil and contamination when switching from working with raw to ready to eat foods, after touching body parts after using toilet room or any time when contamination may occur. (113952, 113953.3, 113953.4, 113961, 113968, 113973 (b-f))
Handwashing soap and towels or drying device shall be provided in dispensers dispensers shall be maintained in good repair. (113953.2) Adequate facilities shall be provided for hand washing, food preparation and the washing of utensils and equipment. (113953, 113953.1, 114067(f))

Dec 14, 2012

All potentially hazardous food shall be RAPIDLY cooled from 135°F to 70°F, within 2 hours, and then from 70°F to 41 °F, within 4 hours. Cooling shall be by one or more of the following methods: in shallow containers; separating food into smaller portions; adding ice as an ingredient; using an ice bath, stirring frequently; using rapid cooling equipment; or, using containers that facilitate heat transfer. 114002, 114002.1
All potentially hazardous food shall be RAPIDLY cooled from 135°F to 70°F, within 2 hours, and then from 70°F to 41 °F, within 4 hours. Cooling shall be by one or more of the following methods: in shallow containers; separating food into smaller portions; adding ice as an ingredient; using an ice bath, stirring frequently; using rapid cooling equipment; or, using containers that facilitate heat transfer. 114002, 114002.1
All food employees shall have adequate knowledge of and be trained in food safety as it relates to their assigned duties. (113947) Food facilities that prepare, handle or serve non-prepackaged potentially hazardous food, shall have an employee who has passed an approved food safety certification examination.
Food shall be thawed under refrigeration completely submerged under cold running water of sufficient velocity to flush loose particles in microwave oven during the cooking process. (114018, 114020, 114020.1)
Handwashing soap and towels or drying device shall be provided in dispensers dispensers shall be maintained in good repair. (113953.2) Adequate facilities shall be provided for hand washing, food preparation and the washing of utensils and equipment. (113953, 113953.1, 114067(f))

FOOD SAFETY CERTIFICATE UNAVAILABLE.
OBSERVED MEAT THAWING INSIDE PLASTIC CONTAINER ON FLOOR.
OBSERVED METAL CONTAINER OF BEANS MEASURED AT 44F WITH DIGITAL PROBE THERMOMETER.
OBSERVED POT OF CHICKEN ON TABLE AT 64F. OBSERVED METAL CONTAINER OF BEANS MEASURED AT 44F WITH DIGITAL PROBE THERMOMETER.
OBSERVED POT OF CHICKEN ON TABLE AT 64F.
PAPER TOWELS LACKING AT 2-COMP SINK.

Jun 24, 2013

All utensils and equipment shall be fully operative and in good repair. (114175). All utensils and equipment shall be approved, installed properly, and meet applicable standards. (114130, 114130.1, 114130.2, 114130.3, 114130.4, 114130.5, 114132, 114133, 114137, 114139, 114153, 114155, 114163, 114165, 114167, 114169, 114177, 114180, 114182)
All clean and soiled linen shall be properly stored non-food items shall be stored and displayed separate from food and food-contact surfaces. (114185.3 - 114185.4)Utensils and equipment shall be handled and stored so as to be protected from contamination. (114074 - 114075, 114081, 114119, 114121, 114161, 114178, 114179, 114083, 114185, 114185.2, 114185.5)
Wiping cloths used to wipe service counters, scales or other surfaces that may come into contact with food shall be used only once unless kept in clean water with sanitizer. (114135, 114185.1 114185.3 (d-e))
Handwashing soap and towels or drying device shall be provided in dispensers dispensers shall be maintained in good repair. (113953.2) Adequate facilities shall be provided for hand washing, food preparation and the washing of utensils and equipment. (113953, 113953.1, 114067(f))
Potentially hazardous foods shall be held at or below 41/45°F or at or above 135°F. (113996, 113998, 114037, 114343(a))
All food contact surfaces of utensils and equipment shall be clean and sanitized. (113984(e), 114097, 114099.1, 114099.4, 114099.6, 114101 (b-d), 114105, 114109, 114111, 114113, 114115 (a, b, d), 114117, 114125(b), 114135, 114141)
Each food facility shall be kept free of vermin: rodents (rats, mice), cockroaches, flies.( 114259.1, 114259.4, 114259.5)
All food shall be separated and protected from contamination. (113984 (a, b, c, d, f), 113986, 114060, 114067(a, d, e, j), 114069(a, b), 114077, 114089.1 (c), 114143 (c))
An accurate easily readable metal probe thermometer suitable for measuring temperature of food shall be available to the food handler. A thermometer +/- 2 °F shall be provided for each hot and cold holding unit of potentially hazardous foods and high temperature warewashing machines. (114157, 114159)

Jul 23, 2013

Food shall be stored in approved containers and labeled as to contents. Food shall be stored at least 6" above the floor on approved shelving. (114047, 114049, 114051, 114053, 114055, 114067(h), 114069 (b))
Handwashing soap and towels or drying device shall be provided in dispensers dispensers shall be maintained in good repair. (113953.2) Adequate facilities shall be provided for hand washing, food preparation and the washing of utensils and equipment. (113953, 113953.1, 114067(f))

EMPTY PAPER DISPENSER (RESTROOM).
OBSERVED SACK OF ONIONS ON THE FLOOR (STOREROOM).

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