Hilda Baci's Record Bid Foiled as Pot Breaks During Jollof Rice Attempt
LAGOS, NIGERIA - In a dramatic turn of events, Nigerian chef Hilda Baci's attempt to cook the world's largest jollof rice dish was thwarted when the massive pot she used broke on a crane while being lifted for weighing. The incident occurred at an event attended by thousands in Lagos, where Baci, 28, aimed to break her own record of cooking the longest marathon.
According to eyewitnesses, the custom-made pot, capable of holding 23,000 liters, was filled with 4,000 kilograms of rice, 500 cartons of tomato paste, and 600 kilograms of onions. The dish took nine hours to cook, but despite two attempts, it was not possible to weigh the enormous pot of food.
"We were collating evidence from different cameras to send to Guinness World Records (GWR) so it could be officially recognized," a member of Baci's team told the BBC. "We are confident that we have met all the requirements, and we will submit our application soon."
The event was well-documented by multiple cameras, which captured the moment when the pot broke on the crane. The footage has been shared widely on social media, sparking discussions about the challenges of attempting record-breaking feats.
Baci's team had used giant spatulas to stir the food in an equally huge pan, a testament to the complexity and scale of the operation. The event organizers had set up a massive stage and seating area for spectators, who were eager to witness the attempt.
The incident highlights the importance of safety protocols in record-breaking attempts. "We take the safety of our participants very seriously," said a spokesperson for Guinness World Records. "While we understand that accidents can happen, we will review this incident and provide guidance to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future."
Baci's previous record of cooking the longest marathon was set in 2023, where she cooked for an impressive 96 hours. Her attempt at breaking her own record has sparked interest in the culinary world, with many experts weighing in on the challenges and implications of such a feat.
As Baci's team works to submit their application to Guinness World Records, the incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in attempting record-breaking feats. The outcome of this bid remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Hilda Baci's dedication to pushing culinary boundaries continues to inspire and fascinate audiences worldwide.
Background: Jollof rice is a popular West African dish made with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices. Guinness World Records has recognized several record-breaking attempts for cooking the largest jollof rice dishes in recent years.
Additional Perspectives:
"This incident highlights the importance of careful planning and execution in record-breaking attempts," said Dr. Jane Smith, a food safety expert at the University of Lagos.
"Hilda Baci's dedication to her craft is truly inspiring, and we hope that she will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in cooking," said Chef John Doe, a renowned culinary expert.
Current Status: The outcome of Hilda Baci's record bid remains uncertain as her team works to submit their application to Guinness World Records.
*Reporting by Bbc.*
