MERLOS FRUTERIA
211 US HWY 27 S, Sebring FL 33870 · 941-421-4419
Last inspected Jul 30, 2026 · 7 visits since September 2023
SEP 23
APR 24
APR 25
AUG 25
JUL 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 20 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
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 via email at inspection.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
7 visits, newest first
Jul 30, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority4 Intermediate1 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 7 findingsThe state's own report →
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed cleaning spray on food preparation table next to container of sugar and container of kaitif in the kitchen, operator removed the chemical.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed spoon in one hand washing sink in kitchen and buckets in another hand washing sink in back of kitchen, operator moved.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand washing sink in back of kitchen and no towels in the restroom, operator replaced.
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. Employee sign the reporting agreement before end of inspection.
Show the remaining 3 findings ▾
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand washing sink in kitchen, operator replaced.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a soufflé cup in container of sugar with no handle, operator removed.
Use of cooking equipment producing grease laden vapors/smoke with no hood suppression system installed. Notified Fire AHJ. For reporting purposes only. Observed two small fryers on the counter top without a hood suppression, owner stated on phone that recently had fire inspection sent copy by email, operator removed fryer.
Oct 27, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop not properly air drying in back of kitchen.
Aug 26, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 6 recorded.
0 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no towels at the handwashing sink in the kitchen, employee replaced towels.
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 two small fryers added not under a hood suppression system and not on the plan review.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed cup with no handle in the sugar, employee removed.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed section of floor not smooth or durable between the middle and back of kitchen.
Open dumpster lid.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop not properly air drying in back of kitchen.
Use of cooking equipment producing grease laden vapors/smoke with no hood suppression system installed. Notified Fire AHJ. For reporting purposes only. Observed two small fryers on the counter top without a hood suppression.
Apr 21, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Met inspection standards. 1 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Open dumpster lid. Owner closed lid.
Apr 2, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued due to food originating from an unapproved source. Observed cookies made from home and offered for sale at establishment 20ea.. See stop sale
Clean equipment/dishware/utensils stored next to handwash/food preparation sink exposed to splash. Observed dishes drying in splash zone of handsink at 3 Bay Area. Operator has new racks to install over 3 bay.
Nov 29, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer.
Sep 21, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded.
0 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
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 via email at inspection.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed hose stored in handsink at warewash area. Operator removed.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification.
Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
Clean equipment/dishware/utensils stored next to handwash/food preparation sink exposed to splash. Observed clean dish rack beside handsink at back ware wash area. Operator removed to another location.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer.
Sanitizing solution for wiping cloths not free of food debris and visible soil.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop stored in empty mop bucket.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed containers of toppings with no label of common name at food prep area.
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.