Popular Nigerian chef, Hilda Baci, has come under criticism after a video surfaced online showing her walking barefoot inside the giant pot meant for her attempt to cook the largest pot of jollof rice.

In the viral clip, Baci was seen stepping into the pot while cleaning it with water and dishwashing liquid ahead of the cooking exercise.

The act, however, sparked mixed reactions on social media. Critics faulted her decision to enter the pot with bare feet, describing it as unhygienic and unappealing. A medical doctor on X (formerly Twitter), identified as Adeshina, argued that the optics of the act were problematic, stating:

“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.”

On the other hand, supporters of the chef defended her, insisting that the cleaning was done before any food was introduced into the pot. Some also pointed out that she displayed mop sticks in the video which she intended to use for further cleaning.

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One social media user wrote: “She has already said she would wipe with new mop sticks which she showed in the video. Let’s try and encourage her rather than dragging her.”

The incident has continued to generate debate online, with many Nigerians divided over whether her actions were a harmless cleaning method or a breach of food hygiene standards.