Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health inspects every restaurant, market, and mobile food facility countywide and posts a numerical inspection score and report online. Unlike LA, SCC uses risk-based scoring rather than letter grades; sub-standard facilities may face closure.
Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health (DEH) operates the countywide retail food inspection program under the California Retail Food Code (CalCode) adopted via SCC ordinance. DEH inspectors visit every food facility in San Jose, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Cupertino, Palo Alto, and unincorporated areas at least once or twice a year, more often for high-risk operators. Inspectors deduct points for major violations like improper holding temperatures, vermin, and bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat food. SCC publishes inspection results, scores, and violation details on its public DEH portal rather than requiring an A/B/C placard at the door. Major violations can trigger immediate closure until reinspection clears all critical items.
Operating without a valid health permit or after a closure order is a misdemeanor under CalCode §114395. Major violations require immediate correction or closure; chronic noncompliance results in permit suspension, reinspection fees, and public listing on the DEH database.
See how San Jose's restaurant grade cards rules stack up against other locations.
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