Fresh evidence has emerged confirming that Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci and her team thoroughly washed the 300 bags of rice used during her Guinness World Record attempt to cook the largest pot of jollof rice.
The clarification comes after viral videos on social media appeared to show members of her team pouring rice straight from the sacks into the massive cooking pot, sparking backlash and criticism.
Many online users raised hygiene concerns, arguing that cooking unwashed rice at such a scale could lead to excessive starch buildup and compromise food quality.
Unwashed rice rumour put to rest
However, newly released behind-the-scenes footage has set the record straight. The videos show Hilda’s team carefully washing the rice in large quantities before rebagging it into sacks for use in the cook-off.
The development has eased growing doubts over the cleanliness and credibility of the record-breaking attempt, which has attracted global attention. It also reinforces the meticulous level of planning and execution that went into the historic cook-off, despite the scale of the challenge.
With the clarification now in circulation, Hilda Baci’s team appears to have successfully dispelled the swirling rumours, restoring confidence among her fans and supporters.
Fans are divided on unwashed rice for Jollof cook-off
Msontey wrote: “Hilda has been screaming in all the videos leading to this event that she’s using basmati rice. These are not basmati sacks, so clearly, the rice was removed from their original sacks, washed and put in these sacks so it will be easier to put them in the pot.”
RealDonaldDoo stated: “At least you would have asked if it’s washed. No be to just jump de conclude.”
EmmanuelNechi penned: “About 70% of those born in the UK who cook rice don’t wash it before cooking. 1st hand I have observed it in so many of them I have come across.”
ayurexars said: “Only a fool will think the rice wasn’t washed before it’s been poured into the pot.”
shanwatche noted: “Chai. Why would this man post this sort of thing? Even a person who’s not a chef knows that you can’t cook rice without 1st cleaning. This isn’t nice.”
Watch the videos below …
Chefs in the house, I thought rice used to be washed, parboiled before the final cooking?
Hilda Baci do this one. pic.twitter.com/p5OHKskTpK
— Jenslaw (@jenslaw_) September 12, 2025
Hilda Baci showing how the rice was washed before cooking 🧑🍳
pic.twitter.com/rmQ9VwvFea— HipTv (@HipTv) September 12, 2025
