BERTHA'S KITCHEN
103 E MAIN ST, Wauchula FL 33873
Last inspected Apr 23, 2026 · 14 visits since July 2023
□ Not on the state's active licence list
This licence isn't in DBPR's current active file, which usually means the business has closed, been sold, or let the licence lapse. Everything below belongs to this licence, not to whoever may be trading here now. The history stays public because it is a public record.
MAR 24
JAN 25
MAY 25
OCT 25
APR 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 21 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
14 visits, newest first
Apr 23, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 9 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority0 Intermediate6 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 9 findingsThe state's own report →
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed flour tortillas stored in carry out bags in the reach in cooler and reach in freezer in the kitchen.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed a container of raw hard shell eggs over package shredded cheese in the reach in cooler in the kitchen, operator moved the eggs to bottom shelf.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed 12 individual tilapia filets thawed out in the oxygen package in the reach in cooler in kitchen, operator discarded voluntarily. See stop sale.
Show the remaining 5 findings ▾
Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gasket in reach in cooler near the cook line.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed the hoods soiled with grease and the side of the equipment soiled with grease and food debris.
Open dumpster lid.
Plumbing system in disrepair. Observed hand washing sink not working at all next to the 3-compartment sink in back of kitchen, operator stated company is coming out today.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed leaking pipe at the hand washing sink in the kitchen.
Oct 1, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority3 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed operator put gloves on without washing hands before starting food preparation, explained importance of hand washing.
No running water at mop sink.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no hand soap at hand wash sink in back of kitchen, owner replaced.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed D. Mendoza no proof of training, employee states signed up to have class.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets in the reach in cooler at front counter torn.
Fly sticky tape hanging over food/food preparation area/food-contact equipment. Observed fly strip over microwave in back of kitchen, operator removed.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs on the door handle of the fryer, operator removed.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave soiled with food debris.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hoods soiled with grease.
Open dumpster lid.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water in reach in cooler in back of dining room.
Jul 25, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed unlabeled bottle in front area.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl with no handle in the flour in dry storage.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board on the prep table grooved.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets torn on reach in cooler under prep table.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hoods soiled with grease.
May 20, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 14 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority5 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Operator unable to provide documentation that aquacultured fish has been raised in a controlled environment and fed formulated feed. Aguachile with raw shrimp advertised on the menu. According to packaging, the shrimp is farm raised but it does not state pellet fed. Operator states that they do steam the shrimp for this dish.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand washing sink blocked by cart in dry storage area, operator moved.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Ceviche with tilapia advertised on the menu. The tilapia is farm raised and pellet fed, however it is not heat treated prior to service. The menu does not identify this ceviche as an undercooked animal food.
No running water at mop sink.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed beef, sauce, nacho cheese operator stated was made other day but there is no date mark or labeling.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed unlabeled bottle in front area.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl with no handle in the flour in dry storage.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed bag of tilapia not properly thawed out in reach in cooler.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board on the prep table grooved.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed owner with bracelets and rings on while prepping food. Owner removed.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets torn on reach in cooler under prep table.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs hanging on handle on the fryer.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave soiled with food.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hoods soiled with grease.
Jan 28, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed non food grade bags used for prepared food storage.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed the cutting board with deep grooves and not easily cleanable.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed the hood filters with a grease buildup up and beginning to drip.
Aug 1, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Aug 1, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
May 29, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed operator added open food service and ice machine to front of dining area and no handsink is available. Waitstaff dipping sauces and dipping ice and preparing drinks with no handsink available.
May 29, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. From initial inspection : Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed operator added open food service and ice machine to front of dining area and no handsink is available. Waitstaff dipping sauces and dipping ice and preparing drinks with no handsink available.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets not correctly repaired and door not closing correctly on reach on prep top unit at dining area. TCS foods not maintained at 41F or colder. Operator will not use to hold TCS foods but will switch canned and bottled drinks to this cooler and hold TCS foods in Flat top cooler which is currently holding temperature at 41F or colder.
Mar 27, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed operator added open food service and ice machine to front of dining area and no handsink is available. Waitstaff dipping sauces and dipping ice and preparing drinks with no handsink available.
Mar 27, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 8 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed butter individual containers 30ea(80F - Cold Holding) stored at room temperature on counter. See stop sale Operator discarded. Observed Flan in cooler at front dining area, held over 24 hours. flan (49F - Cold Holding) see stop sale.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed butter individual containers 30ea(80F - Cold Holding) stored at room temperature on counter. See stop sale Operator discarded. Observed Flan in cooler at front dining area, held over 24 hours. flan (49F - Cold Holding) see stop sale.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed beans (129F - Hot Holding). Beans on steamtable not 135F or hotter throughout. Bottom of pan over 165F, educated operator to stir the beans often enough to maintain 135F throughout product. Operator stirred beans until product 169F through out.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Operator out of paper towels using cloth to dry hands. Re-educated on the need for disposable hand drying provisions and operator added paper napkins to all sinks.
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. From initial inspection : Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed operator added open food service and ice machine to front of dining area and no handsink is available. Waitstaff dipping sauces and dipping ice and preparing drinks with no handsink available.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Bracelets.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets not correctly repaired and door not closing correctly on reach on prep top unit at dining area. TCS foods not maintained at 41F or colder. Operator will not use to hold TCS foods but will switch canned and bottled drinks to this cooler and hold TCS foods in Flat top cooler which is currently holding temperature at 41F or colder.
Stored food not covered. Observed taquitos in freezer with no cover.
Jan 5, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed operator added open food service and ice machine to front of dining area and no handsink is available. Waitstaff dipping sauces and dipping ice and preparing drinks with no handsink available.
Oct 25, 2023Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed operator added open food service and ice machine to front of dining area and no handsink is available. Waitstaff dipping sauces and dipping ice and preparing drinks with no handsink available.
Jul 25, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 14 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority4 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed Triple Sink (Quaternary 0ppm)no Quaternary sanitizer in dispenser. Operator sent employee to get correct bleach for sanitation. Operator set up chlorine sanitizer at 100ppm and rewashed all dish ware.
Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Observed employee handle dirty dishes then touch clean cutting board and clean surfaces of prep table without washing hands.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed beans (137F - Hot Holding); rice (119F - Hot Holding); cheese sauce (127F - Hot Holding); beef (119F - Hot Holding) foods on steam table over 1hour, must discard at 4 pm within 4 hours of being placed out of temperature. Operator will adjust heat on steam table to properly maintain foods at 135F or hotter. Plastic bags and double panel foods prohibit heat from properly maintaining 135F or hotter.
Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Inspector provided handouts via email.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at either of only two handsinks for establishment. Manager placed paper towels at sinks.
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed operator added open food service and ice machine to front of dining area and no handsink is available. Waitstaff dipping sauces and dipping ice and preparing drinks with no handsink available.
No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Inspector provided handouts via email.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee phone stored on counter beside cutting board.. employee removed and sanitized area.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Handle of scoop on bulk rice container. Manager removed.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Inspector provided handout via email.
Nonfood-contact surfaces not designed and constructed to allow easy cleaning and maintenance. Observed curtains used to separate kitchen from front dining area. Curtains soiled. Operator states she has swinging doors to install waiting for correct hinges.
Stored food not covered. Observed breading in open pan under shelving beside unwashed vegetables at back prep.
Ventilation inadequate as evidenced by excessive steam or vapors in kitchen. Observed kitchen operating grill and fryer without the hood system in operation. Smoke and grease laden vapors throughout dining area and kitchen. Operator turned on hood system.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed leaking pipe under 3 bay sink.
This record follows the licence, not the owner. Restaurants change hands and the licence history normally does not, so an older entry may describe people who no longer run the place. Every inspection above links to the state's own report. Something wrong? Tell us.