BERTHA'S KITCHEN
103 E MAIN ST · WAUCHULA · Hardee County · FL 33873
Inspection Summary
Violation Summary
Counts reported for this inspection visit.
See what changed since the last inspection.
Sign in or create a free account to browse without ads and see newly cited, repeated, and no-longer-cited violation categories.
All DBPR Inspector Observations
14 full violation description(s) documented by the inspector during this visit.
High Priority 3
22-43-4High Priority – 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. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
12A-02-4High Priority – 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. **Warning**
03B-01-6High Priority – 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. **Warning**
Intermediate 4
11-27-4Intermediate – 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 . **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
31B-02-4Intermediate – 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. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
51-16-7Intermediate – 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. **Warning**
11-26-1Intermediate – 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 . **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
Basic 7
40-06-5Basic – 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. **Warning**
10-01-5Basic – 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. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
51-13-4Basic – No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Inspector provided handout via email. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
14-52-4Basic – 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. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
08B-12-5Basic – Stored food not covered. Observed breading in open pan under shelving beside unwashed vegetables at back prep. **Warning**
36-65-5Basic – 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. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
29-11-4Basic – Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed leaking pipe under 3 bay sink. **Warning**
Inspector observations synchronized from DBPR on October 25, 2026 12:34 PM.
Violation category totals
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
2 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
2 observation(s)
Inspection records and inspector observations reflect conditions documented by DBPR at the time of the inspection and may not reflect current conditions.