Merlos Fruteria
211 US Hwy 27 S, Sebring, FL 33870 · Permanent Food Service · License 3801211
What drove the grade
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored.
How the score was calculated
- Starting score100
- Violations at the Jul 30 routine inspection1 high priority (fixed on the spot), 4 intermediate (fixed on the spot, 1 repeat), 1 basic (1 repeat)-14
- Safety score86
Our own summary of the public record, not an official state rating. How grades work · Report an error
Inspection history
1 inspection · 1 visitRoutine inspection
- First visitJul 30, 2026 No follow-up needed
Met the state's inspection standards; the inspector didn't need to come back. Any violations cited still count toward the grade.
6 violations found:
Official report, on the Florida DBPR websiteWhat the inspector cited
High priority1
Code 41, Chemicals and toxic substances: 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.
Fixed on the spot
Intermediate4
Code 11, Employee health: 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.
Fixed on the spot
Code 31, Handwash sinks and supplies: 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.
Fixed on the spot
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.
Fixed on the spotRepeat violation
No soap provided at handwash sink.
Observed no soap at hand washing sink in kitchen, operator replaced.
Fixed on the spot
Basic1
Code 14, Food-contact surfaces designed and maintained: Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food.
Observed a soufflé cup in container of sugar with no handle, operator removed.
Fixed on the spotRepeat violation
Reporting only1
Code 45, Fire extinguishing equipment: 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.
Fixed on the spotRepeat violation
Reading this report
Priority levels
- High priority The problems most likely to make someone sick directly.
- Intermediate Could lead to a high-priority problem if not fixed.
- Basic Best practices and general upkeep.