Overview
- Houston Health Department confirmed 14 pans of cooked rice were discarded for failing FDA cooling requirements during a Dec. 23 inspection at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
- The department said all other food passed and scheduled an on-site reheating inspection today to help the event proceed safely.
- City Wide Club says senior leadership was not consulted and warns the loss threatens its capacity to feed roughly 30,000 people.
- Organizers contend the rice was cooling to finish preparation and argue they should have been allowed to correct the issue.
- The nonprofit is seeking immediate clarification and a review of procedures from city leaders while continuing preparations and recruiting resources and volunteers.