Mom's Kitchen
Last inspected: Mar 24, 2026
70
Score
Mom's Kitchen has been inspected 17 times since 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Mar 24, 2026. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near two violations per visit.
The pattern that stands out is “reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface”, which has been cited five times.
That's lower than the typical Okeechobee restaurant, which scores around 81. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
17
Inspections
2
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 24, 2026
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
High Priority - Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Employee was cutting lemons for drinks with her bare hands. Employee was educated and discarded lemons. **Corrected On-Site**
09-01-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to adulteration of food product. Employee was cutting lemons for drinks with her bare hands. Employee was educated and discarded lemons. **Corrected On-Site**
01B-03-5
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-33-4
70
Dec 3, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Please note: License renewal was 12/1/25. Visit Myfloridalicense.com to make your payment, if you have not already done so. Establishment observed preparing, serving, or selling food to customers with an expired license.
50-17-3
Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/. Alicia Cortez 7/12/23 came to establishment prior to inspection being completed. **Corrected On-Site**
53A-05-6
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Raw hamburger (28F - Thawing ) on stand up tray stand. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
74
Sep 10, 2025
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair: gaskets torn on upright reach in cooler. Operator has ordered. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-10: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
95
Sep 4, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In three door stand up reach in cooler , Rice (46F - Cold Holding); Baked chicken quarters (48F - Cold Holding); Stuffing (50F - Cold Holding); Raw hamburger (45F - Cold Holding). Operator voluntarily discarded items. Operator will call for service and discontinue use until repairs are made. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse: In three door stand up reach in cooler , Rice (46F - Cold Holding); Baked chicken quarters (48F - Cold Holding); Stuffing (50F - Cold Holding); Raw hamburger (45F - Cold Holding). Operator voluntarily discarded items. Operator will call for service and discontinue use until repairs are made. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
01B-02-5
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. B.S. J.G. **Warning**
53B-14-5
Intermediate - 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. Juan G. **Warning**
53B-13-5
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-33-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair: gaskets torn on upright reach in cooler. Operator has ordered. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
14-11-5
55
Mar 18, 2025
Complaint Partial
No violations found.
100
Dec 11, 2024
Complaint Full
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment: shelves in reach in cooler and cooler on line. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-11: **Time Extended**
22-31-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Upright reach-in cooler interior soiled. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-11: **Time Extended**
22-16-4
86
Dec 10, 2024
Complaint Full
4 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to adulteration of food product. Bottle of water stored in ice used for drinks. See stop sale. Operator threw out ice. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
01B-03-5
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. One live roach on shelf with paperwork at sliced. Operator terminated. Six live behind poster at dishwasher in kitchen. Operator terminated. Operator has contacted pest control. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
35A-05-4
High Priority - Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Roach spray under the triple sink. **Warning**
41-05-4
High Priority - Bottle of water stored in ice used for drinks. See stop sale. Operator threw out ice. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-56-4
Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment: shelves in reach in cooler and cooler on line. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-31-4
Basic - Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-45-4
Basic - Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Plastic spoons at waiting station. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
24-18-4
Basic - Upright reach-in cooler interior soiled. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-16-4
43
Sep 30, 2024
Complaint Full
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves with pots at cook line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-30: The **Time Extended**
14-45-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-30: The **Time Extended**
22-16-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled at soda shelf. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-30: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit at waiting station. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-30: **Time Extended**
05-09-4
82
Sep 24, 2024
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 11 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found : two on top of reach in freezer. Operator terminated. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
35A-05-4
Basic - Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves with pots at cook line. **Warning**
14-45-4
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. One dead in gasket of reach in freezer One dead under triple sink Five dead on sticky board in waiting station Two dead behind waiting station cooler Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
35A-03-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items: cell phones on tables. **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice at waiting station. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-08-5
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit at waiting station. **Warning**
05-09-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled at soda shelf. **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair: water turned off at mop sink. Operator turned water on. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
29-08-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. **Warning**
22-16-4
Basic - Silverware/utensils dried with a towel/cloth. Dishwasher was educated and rewashed dishes . **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
24-17-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Coffee filters not protected at waiting station. Operator covered. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
25-05-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment: on slicer and prep table **Warning**
21-09-4
50
Aug 29, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Aug 27, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found . One n sanitizer bucket under dishwasher. Operator terminated. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
35A-05-4
High Priority - Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly: Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm), operator set up triple sink. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
22-49-4
Intermediate - No proof for new employee. Operator had employee sign form. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Hard boiled eggs not date marked. Operator date marked. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02C-02-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food: in bag of flour. **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Two dead at waiting station. Two dead at condiment shelf Twenty on sticky pad under dishwasher. Operator removed and cleaned area. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
35A-03-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Warning**
33-16-4
52
Mar 12, 2024
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Water leaking from pipe at dishwasher. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-12: **Time Extended**
29-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust at dishwasher and triple sink. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-12: **Time Extended**
36-27-5
90
Mar 7, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. One live roach in triple sink. Operator removed. One live in notebook. Operator has pest control coming tonight. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
35A-05-4
High Priority - Employee dried hands on clothes/apron/soiled towel after washing. Operator educated employee and employee washed hands. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12A-18-4
High Priority - Sticky trap u deer soda fountain area. Operator removed. **Warning**
41-23-4
Basic - Light shield damaged/in disrepair in kitchen. **Warning**
38-01-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust at dishwasher and triple sink. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-27-5
Basic - Water leaking from pipe at dishwasher. **Warning**
29-11-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. **Warning**
16-21-4
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. One dead roach at waiting station. One at corner of microwave. Operator cleaned and sanitized. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
35A-03-4
Basic - Employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12B-13-4
47
Oct 13, 2023
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface: large stand up and make cooler. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-13: **Time Extended**
14-33-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-13: **Time Extended**
33-11-4
90
Oct 10, 2023
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 2 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 17 violations
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 1-Under sink at women restroom 1- at mop sink area 1- at triple sink 1- behind reach in freezer **Warning**
35A-04-4
High Priority - Roach excrement and/or droppings present at dry storage, by triple sink. **Warning**
35A-23-4
High Priority - Employee rubbed hands together for less than 10-15 seconds while washing hands. Operator rewashed hands. Dishwasher did the same.**Corrected On-Site** **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12A-17-4
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. One dented can of marinara at triple sink. Operator removed from service. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
01B-01-4
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. Provided Operator with the Food Reporting Agreement. One employee signed and all others will sign. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Operator is not properly tracking/marking the number of days ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite was held at refrigeration temperatures prior to freezing in order to properly date mark the food when it is thawed and held at refrigeration temperatures again. Roast in chest freezer no date mark. **Warning**
02C-04-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Operator discarded whisk. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Clean utensils or equipment stored in dirty drawer or rack. Utensils stored in dirty bucket. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
24-06-4
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Two dead roaches on sticky trap on top of waiting station. Two dead roaches on sticky trap behind milk cooler **Warning**
35A-03-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Cell phone on slicer. **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall under sink at women's restroom. **Warning**
36-24-5
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice at ice machine. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-08-5
Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster. **Warning**
33-11-4
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit at waiting station. **Warning**
05-09-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning at triple sink. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
16-46-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface: large stand up and make cooler. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-33-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust at dishwasher and triple sink. **Warning**
36-27-5
26
Jan 13, 2023
Routine - Food
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
82
Sep 14, 2022
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Employee rinsed out hand towel in sink. Operator educated employee on proper technique. **Corrective Action Taken**
31A-11-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust at dishwasher area, prep wall area. **Repeat Violation**
36-27-5
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface, standing upright. **Repeat Violation**
14-33-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid.
33-16-4
Basic - Equipment or utensils not designed or constructed in a durable manner. Knife wrapped with twine on handle . Operator removed from service voluntarily. **Corrected On-Site**
14-10-4
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food.
13-07-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food, plate used to dispense hash browns in front cooler. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Operator cleaned area. **Corrected On-Site**
16-21-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine. Operator cleaned area. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
16-03-4
61
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mom's Kitchen last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Mom's Kitchen on file is from Mar 24, 2026. The public record contains 17 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Mom's Kitchen?
Across the inspection record, “reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Mom's Kitchen.
How does Mom's Kitchen compare to other restaurants in Okeechobee?
Mom's Kitchen most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Okeechobee average of 81.
Has Mom's Kitchen's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Mom's Kitchen have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Mom's Kitchen means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Mom's Kitchen inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Mom's Kitchen is inspected around five times per year on average.
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