Guinness World Records deactivated the 'cook-a-thon' category after Ghanaian chef Ebenezer Smith falsely claimed a record with a forged certificate. Smith faced legal issues, and GWR confirmed the actual record holder is Alan Fisher of Ireland. The decision aims to curb unmanageable enthusiasm in some regions.
Guinness World Records (GWR) has deactivated its 'cook-a-thon' category following a scandal involving Ghanaian chef Ebenezer Smith. Smith falsely claimed to have set a new record for the longest cooking marathon and presented a forged certificate.
GWR confirmed that Smith's certificate is not genuine and that the current record holder remains Alan Fisher of Ireland, who set the record in Japan in 2023 with 119 hours, 57 minutes, and 16 seconds. Smith faced legal consequences during a controversial press conference, where he was confronted by security officials over a breach of contract.
The deactivation of the 'cook-a-thon' category was revealed by a social media user who shared a photo, indicating that GWR made this decision due to the category inspiring an uncontrollable frenzy in some parts of the world, including Ghana, where Smith claimed to have cooked for over 30 days.
