Live Roaches, Dead Mouse Cited on Coastal State Prison Health Inspection

Live roaches and flies and a dead mouse were among the violations cited on Coastal State Prison’s most recent health inspection conducted by the state alongside observations of mold throughout the entire kitchen.

A number of repeat violations led to the grade of ’70’ for the Georgia Department of Corrections facility in its recent health inspection.

Officials with the Georgia Department of Public Health visited Coastal State Prison in Chatham County on April 23 to evaluate the facility, which has been on a steady decline for health scores since at least February 2025. In October, the facility scored an 80 and in February 2025, the facility received an 87.

But between rodents, roaches and a laundry list of broken equipment, the facility most recently landed a grade of 70.

Among the violations:

• Violation of Code: [511-6-1.07(5)(k)] Observed live flies and roaches in kitchen. Observed dead mouse floating in backed-up mop water in mess hall dishpit.
  • RCA: Facility shall increase treatment schedules from licensed pest control operators.  Repeat Violation. 
• Violation of Code: [511-6-1.07(2)(m)] Observed exit door with a large gap under. Observed other exit door damaged with gaps visible.
  • RCA: Outer openings of a food service establishment shall be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by: Solid, self-closing, tight-fitting doors.  New Violation.
• Violation of Code: [511-6-1.04(6)(f)] Observed fish (122F) and chicken(98F)to be sitting on counter and it was below 135F.
  • RCA: Told PIC that call hot holding items must be 135F or above while hot holding as well as sitting inside warmer instead of sitting on the counter.  New Violation.
• Violation of Code: [511-6-1.04(4)(c)1(iv)] Observed bags of spices left open. Observed margarine in walk-in cooler not wrapped. Observed loose bread in kitchen not tightly wrapped to prevent contamination.
  • RCA: Food packages shall be in good condition and protect the integrity of the contents so that the food is not exposed to adulteration or potential contaminants.  New Violation
• Violation of Code: [511-6-1.07(5)(a),(b)] Observed mold-like growth on ceiling tiles in entire kitchen area.
  • Observed peeling ceiling tiles in dish area.
  • Observed rust and corrosion on ceiling tiles sporadically in entire kitchen area.
  • Missing ceiling tiles/ hole in ceiling in mess hall area.
  • Repeat Violation.
• Violation of Code: [511-6-1.06(2)(r)] Observed a 3 compartment-sink with a leaking pipe.
  Observed a 2-compartment sink in which the hot water was unable to turn on or off.
  Observed a handwashing sink in mess hall with a loose spigot.
  Observed a back-up mop sink in the mess hall dishpit.
• Violation of Code: [511-6-1.05(6)(a)] Observed damaged wall in walk-in cooler.
  Observed gaskets/seals on cold holding unit in poor repair with mildew visible.
  • RCA: Equipment shall be maintained in a state of repair  New Violation
• Violation of Code: [511-6-1.05(7)(b)] Observed buildup of mildew-like substance in the interior of ice machine. No sanitizer in 3-compartment sink being used as inmates are actively washing dishes.
  • RCA: PIC shall burn ice, wash inside machine and sanitize before refilling ice. Told PIC to get bleach or QAC as a sanitize in order properly sanitize the dishes.  Repeat Violation
• Violation of Code: [511-6-1.03(2)(a)-(n)(p),(q)] Observed that the person in charge failed in the responsibilities of ensuring that safe food handling practices were in use as evidenced by hot holding temperatures, food protected from outside contamination and sanitized food contact surfaces.
  • RCA: PIC and ServSafe manager is responsible to ensure that food safety practices and are being followed.  New Violation
• Violation of Code: [511-6-1.05(6)(p)] Observed that facility did not have chemical test kit when using chemical sanitizer (quat) at three-compartment sink. Observed that facility did not have high heat testing method available for high heat dishwasher in main kitchen.
• Violation of Code: [511-6-1.05(7)(a)2,3] Observed food debris on racks where trays were stored. Observed build up on gaskets of walk-in coolers. Mildew on gaskets and walk-in cooler racks.

Coastal SP was given until May 3 to correct the issues, according to the report.