Renowned Nigerian celebrity chef, Hilda Baci, has sparked widespread controversy after a viral video emerged online showing her walking barefoot inside the gigantic cooking pot she intends to use for her Guinness World Record attempt at preparing the largest pot of jollof rice in history.
The footage, which surfaced only a few hours after the official cook-off commenced, revealed Hilda stepping carefully into the massive pot while it was being scrubbed and rinsed with water and dishwashing liquid. The act, though intended as part of the cleaning process, has raised mixed feelings among fans and critics alike, especially given the scale and publicity surrounding the event.
Supporters of Hilda Baci insist that the cleaning was necessary and harmless, stressing that the barefoot step-in happened long before food preparation began. However, critics argue that the optics of the act carry a negative psychological effect, as it gives the impression that unhygienic practices were involved in the food preparation process.
A well-known medical doctor, identified as Adeshina (@the_beardedsina) on X (formerly Twitter), strongly criticized the incident, explaining that even if no contamination occurred, the mental image of someone walking barefoot in a pot later used for food creates unease. He wrote: “There is a mental optics that comes with seeing Hilda walk in the pot with bare feet, in which food will be prepared in and given to people to eat. The brain can’t detach the two scenarios and it is an unpleasant one.”
His post quickly went viral, attracting a storm of reactions across social media platforms. Some users condemned Hilda’s action, labeling it as careless and unnecessary for someone in the spotlight attempting such a high-profile record. Others, however, defended her, highlighting that the pot was thoroughly disinfected, additional mop sticks were used to sanitize it, and extreme heat during cooking would eliminate any germs present.
Social Media Divided Over Hilda Baci’s Pot-Cleaning Style
SemiNigerian reacted: “Till you see how they get palm oil.”
Orfega007 noted: “This particular part shouldn’t have made it online sha.”
HOLARMEEDEY1 opined: “You are right. Your mind keep going back to the fact that she’s stepping into the pot with her bare legs.. But doc, it won’t matter when she is giving out the smoky jollof rice 🤣🤣🤣🤣. We go eat am like that.”
Updated_CEO stated: “Nawahoooo how una want make she take wash am again …. Nawah.”
DEFI_WOLVE added, “I really don’t want to think about the negative side cos if you do, you’d miss the whole creativity she’s pulling off here. She has already said she would wipe with new mop sticks which she showed in the video. Let’s try and encourage her than to set up a clause for dragging.”
tboysquare said: “True, but that same brain should let people know that there’s no way she won’t wash her leg, and the food is going into extreme heat, it’ll kill all the germs anyway..”
The debate continues to trend online, with thousands weighing in on whether Hilda Baci’s barefoot pot-cleaning method should be dismissed as a harmless necessity or condemned as a careless misstep during her record-breaking attempt.
Watch the video below …
Hilda Baci washing the big pot in preparation for the big event happening today! 🫣🔥 pic.twitter.com/heYdJLdgB7
— TENIOLA (@Teeniiola) September 12, 2025