HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Food that was prepared for the annual Christmas Eve Super Feast at the George R. Brown Convention Center was thrown out during an inspection by the Houston Health Department.
The City Wide Club of America said pans of rice dressing were left out to cool, and organizers say they believe they should have been given the opportunity to rectify the situation.
“It was in the process of cooling down so they could finish adding the broth,” Tomaro Bell, who represents the organization, said. “You don’t want the rice dressing to dry out.”
Bell said inspectors threw away the food without giving anyone a chance.
The Houston Health Department said 14 pans of rice were thrown away for not meeting FDA cooling standards.
Dr. Theresa Tran, director with the Houston Health Department, shared the following statement on Tuesday night.
“The health and safety of the public remain our highest priority. During a scheduled food safety inspection conducted by the Houston Health Department to ensure safe preparation and storage of food for City-Wide Club of America’s annual Christmas Eve Super Feast at the George R. Brown Convention Center on the afternoon of Dec. 23, 2025, registered sanitarians identified cooked rice that did not meet the FDA’s required cooling standards.”
“Though all other food items passed the inspection, fourteen pans of rice were found to be in non-compliance with the FDA Model Food Code. The FDA requires that rice be cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to under 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours, to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria which may lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. As required by the food code and established public health guidelines, the registered sanitarians informed the food handlers that the rice could not be served and must be discarded. We appreciate the cooperation of the food handlers in disposing of the rice on-site.”
“We understand the frustration of having to throw out any food during this time. This action was required and taken to protect the public. The Houston Health Department is scheduled to be on-site on Dec. 24 for a routine reheating inspection for the event. We will work closely with City-Wide Club of America to ensure that this event is as safe and successful as possible for those who rely on this annual meal.”
The City Wide Club’s Super Feast has been helping people in need for 47 years and is described as the largest feeding event in the United States.
Executive director Bishop Leroy J. Woodard, Jr. said he can’t recall the city throwing away food in the history of the organization.
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