Tina Knowles restaurant, Mama Tina’s Gumbo, was temporarily shut down after a customer reported severe illness at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. On March 16, the diner said they experienced chills, nausea, fever, and vomited blood after eating the gumbo served at the pop-up. The Houston Health Department immediately launched an inspection to determine the cause and found multiple violations related to food handling and storage.
Investigators discovered that the gumbo had been cooked off-site, then cooled and stored in containers not approved for food use. The dish was later transported to an unlicensed location for freezing before being brought to the event. At the venue, the gumbo was thawed in a refrigerated trailer prior to service. Officials identified these practices as a serious concern for food safety. Inspectors also found missing temperature logs, improper storage of seafood, and frozen shrimp and crab labeled “keep frozen” that were not maintained at correct temperatures.
The report further noted that some food sources used after the first day were not listed on the event permit. In addition, meals prepared more than 24 hours in advance were not properly dated. These lapses highlighted gaps in standard food safety procedures and posed a risk to customers.
Health officials described the issue as quickly resolved. The restaurant operators fully cooperated with inspectors and were educated on proper cooling, thawing, and date marking methods. They also agreed to stop preparing food off-site and upgraded their freezing equipment to meet safety standards. Following these measures, Mama Tina’s Gumbo reopened the next day and continued operating at the event through March 22.
No public comment has been made by Beyoncé regarding the incident. Authorities confirmed that no further reports of illness were linked to the restaurant after corrective actions were implemented. While the closure was brief, the episode underscores the importance of strict food safety practices, particularly at high-profile events where large crowds are present.
