Chef Faila’s effort to break the record for the longest cooking marathon has been dismissed by Guinness World Records, who cite violations of rest-break regulations as the main basis for disqualification.
In a statement dated Sunday, March 3, 2024, Kafui Dey, the coordinator for Chef Faila’s record attempt, delivered the bad news. The official Guinness message cited the 227-hour cook-a-thon’s violation of rest-break standards as justification for disqualifying the attempt.
Beginning January 1, 2024, in the Modern City Hotel in Tamale, Chef Faila set out on a culinary adventure that would take her until January 10, 2024, breaking previous records. Even with passionate public, celebrity, and political support, her heroic attempt eventually failed to reach the exacting standards imposed by Guinness World Records.
Chef Faila demonstrated her culinary skills throughout the marathon by making a wide variety of foods, most of which were Ghanaian cuisine, which she kindly provided to supporters and those in need. To further emphasize the importance of her project, she promoted Ghanaian music and culture using the platform.
According to Guinness rules, competitors for the longest cooking marathon are given one cumulative five-minute rest break for each hour they spend cooking continuously. The only times when participants are allowed to take care of personal requirements, including using the restroom or taking a quick nap, are during these breaks.
In addition, participants are subject to a number of rules, such as the necessity of preparing at least two dishes at once and the requirement that the person attempting the record do all of the cooking, with aid restricted to preparation and kitchen cleanup.
Chef Alan Fisher of Ireland holds the record for the longest cooking marathon, having cooked constantly for 119 hours from September 28 to October 3, 2023, in Matsue, Shimane, Japan, despite Chef Faila’s intense efforts.
Fisher’s achievement beat the previous record held by Hilda Baci of Nigeria in June 2023, who was in the lead for 93 hours and 11 minutes before Guinness took seven hours off for going over break time restrictions.
Even though Chef Faila’s effort might not have produced the expected results, her tenacity and love of cooking have surely made a lasting impression on the culinary industry.
