Bertha's Kitchen
Last inspected: Apr 23, 2026
47
Score
Bertha's Kitchen appears in inspection records 12 times, starting in 2022. Bertha's Kitchen was last inspected on Apr 23, 2026. Diners may want to take note: high risk reflects issues that a health inspector considered important.
Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around six violations to closer to eight violations per visit.
Looking across the full record, “equipment in poor repair” is the recurring theme, flagged four times.
Restaurants in Wauchula average 70, so Bertha's Kitchen trails the local norm. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.
12
Inspections
3
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 23, 2026
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - 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. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
High Priority - 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. **Warning**
14-31-5
Basic - 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. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
06-09-1
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gasket in reach in cooler near the cook line. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - 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. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
33-16-4
Basic - 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. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
29-08-4
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed leaking pipe at the hand washing sink in the kitchen. **Warning**
29-11-4
47
Oct 1, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed
FL-27
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
43
Jul 25, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed unlabeled bottle in front area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-25: **Time Extended**
41-17-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl with no handle in the flour in dry storage. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-25: **Time Extended**
14-01-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board on the prep table grooved. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-25: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets torn on reach in cooler under prep table. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-25: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hoods soiled with grease. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-25: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
74
May 20, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - 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. **Warning**
01D-08-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand washing sink blocked by cart in dry storage area, operator moved. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - 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. **Warning**
02B-01-5
Intermediate - No running water at mop sink. **Warning**
27-11-4
Intermediate - 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. **Warning**
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed unlabeled bottle in front area. **Warning**
41-17-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hoods soiled with grease. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave soiled with food. **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs hanging on handle on the fryer. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
10-20-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets torn on reach in cooler under prep table. **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - 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. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
13-07-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board on the prep table grooved. **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - 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. **Warning**
06-09-1
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl with no handle in the flour in dry storage. **Warning**
14-01-5
35
Jan 28, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
50-17-3
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed non food grade bags used for prepared food storage.
14-31-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed the cutting board with deep grooves and not easily cleanable.
22-02-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
10-20-4
Basic - 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.
23-03-4
61
Aug 1, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
May 29, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - - 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. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-25: At callback operator stated she sent plan corrections to email of original plan approval email. Inspector gave plan review general email to operator at callback. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-05: At callback 1/5/24 Operator was not in house. No plan reviewer was available by phone. No revised plan had been sent to the inspector. Readvised operator via email and gave all contact information for plan review via email. Copied plan review on email to operator. Time extended by 60 days. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-27: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-29: **Time Extended**
51-16-7
90
Mar 27, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
45
Jan 5, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - - 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. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-25: At callback operator stated she sent plan corrections to email of original plan approval email. Inspector gave plan review general email to operator at callback. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-05: At callback 1/5/24 Operator was not in house. No plan reviewer was available by phone. No revised plan had been sent to the inspector. Readvised operator via email and gave all contact information for plan review via email. Copied plan review on email to operator. Time extended by 60 days. **Time Extended**
51-16-7
90
Oct 25, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - - 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. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-25: At callback operator stated she sent plan corrections to email of original plan approval email. Inspector gave plan review general email to operator at callback. **Time Extended**
51-16-7
90
Jul 25, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High 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**
03B-01-6
High 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**
12A-02-4
High 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**
22-43-4
Intermediate - 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**
11-27-4
Intermediate - 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**
31B-02-4
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. **Warning**
51-16-7
Intermediate - 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**
11-26-1
Basic - 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**
10-01-5
Basic - 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**
40-06-5
Basic - 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**
36-65-5
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed leaking pipe under 3 bay sink. **Warning**
29-11-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed breading in open pan under shelving beside unwashed vegetables at back prep. **Warning**
08B-12-5
Basic - 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**
14-52-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Inspector provided handout via email. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
51-13-4
30
Dec 6, 2022
Food-Licensing Inspection
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Food managers certification must be acquired within 30 days of opening.
53A-01-7
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. On order per owner **Corrective Action Taken**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
05-08-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reachin prep top cooler with homemade gaskets that do not fit tightly. Cooler unable to maintain temperature doors are slightly ajar. Do not use to store foods that require refrigeration until unit is able to maintain foods at 41F or colder.
14-11-5
Basic - Trash receptacles not provided where needed in establishment. Observed no garbage cans at handsinks.
33-06-4
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Bertha's Kitchen last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Bertha's Kitchen on file is from Apr 23, 2026. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Bertha's Kitchen?
Across the inspection record, “equipment in poor repair” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Bertha's Kitchen.
How does Bertha's Kitchen compare to other restaurants in Wauchula?
Bertha's Kitchen most recently scored 47 out of 100, which is lower than the Wauchula average of 70.
Has Bertha's Kitchen's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Bertha's Kitchen have averaged around eight violations per visit, up from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Bertha's Kitchen means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Bertha's Kitchen inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Bertha's Kitchen is inspected around four times per year on average.
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