Lata Tondon, an Indian chef who holds the Guinness World Record for the most hours spent cooking, has pleaded with Nigerians not to stir rivalry between her and Hilda Baci, a Nigerian chef who smashed her record.
As of 2019, Tondon was the official record holder after finishing the cooking marathon in Rewa, India, in 87 hours, 45 minutes, and 0 seconds.
However, on Monday, May 15, 2023, Baci, a 27-year-old graduate, broke the previous record by continuing to cook for up to 100 hours before stopping.
The Guinness World Record team has yet to formally recognize Hilda as the new record holder, and this is because it needs to thoroughly examine the information at its disposal.
GWR said; “We are aware of this amazing record attempt, we need to review all the evidence first before officially confirming a record”.
While they waited impatiently for confirmation, Nigerians started voicing worries about a potential plot aimed at preventing their compatriot’s victory.
Some people even threatened to harm themselves if the Akwa Ibom native ended up “being cheated.”
In response, Tondon posted on her social media accounts to call for calm and to hold off until the formal announcement.
According to the Indian culinary expert, it is merely a record and not a contest to be engaged in conflict over.
She wrote; “A Humble Request to all my Sisters and Brothers in Nigeria■ & India ➡to maintain peace and wait for Guinness to officially announce if the Current Record is broken or not.
Please don’t make it a Competition it’s just a Record my friends. I am a Peace loving Person and wish same for you.”
Hilda Baci commenced the four-day ‘cook-a-thon’ on Thursday, May 11 by 4pm at Amore Gardens, Lekki, Lagos State and concluded on Monday, May 15th by 8pm.
