Food Stand Run by Beyoncé's Mom Closed After Customer Becomes Seriously Ill and Vomited Blood

Houston authorities temporarily closed the gumbo booth operated by Tina Knowles, Beyoncé's mom, at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo after a customer reported becoming ill after a meal.

​According to local health department records, the complaint described symptoms including nausea, fever, and vomiting after eating gumbo from the stand, prompting an inspection by the Houston Health Department. The complaint also stated that the customer reported 'throwing up blood.'

​Multiple Food Safety Issues

​The investigation by health inspectors uncovered multiple food safety issues at Mama Tina's Gumbo, including thawed seafood stored in non-food-grade containers and gumbo prepared off-site and stored without proper temperature logging before being served at the event. All affected food was discarded as a precaution according to the department's findings, per KPRC.

According to inspectors, several violations led to the gumbo being discarded. These included a risk of contamination from storing food in non-food-grade containers and preparing it in an unlicensed facility before transporting it for service from an unapproved site.

Officials also cited the use of ingredients after the first day of the rodeo that were not listed on the facility's approved permit. In addition, the operators failed to provide documentation verifying proper cooling times and temperatures.

​They also confirmed that Mama Tina's Gumbo, which had drawn large crowds at the rodeo with lines of customers eager to try the Creole-style dish, was closed on Monday, 16 March, and was cleared to reopen after addressing the health department's concerns the following day, 17 March.

​Houston Health Department director Dr Theresa Tran said in a statement she shared with People, 'On Monday, March 16, 2026, the Houston Health Department issued a temporary closure of Mama Tina's Gumbo booth at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo as a result of a complaint investigation.'

​Tran also said the vendor cooperated fully with health officials, clearing a follow-up inspection and reopening the following day. 'The vendor was cooperative with the department's recommendations and passed a subsequent inspection. It was authorized to reopen on Tuesday, March 17, 2026,' she said.

Shutdown Lifted After Inspectors Educated Operators

The Houston Health Department issued a statement saying the shutdown resulted from a complaint investigation, and that Mama Tina's worked cooperatively to meet compliance requirements before reopening. It was one of the several food vendors operating at the rodeo, and organisers reiterated that all participants must meet health and safety standards.

​After the inspection, officials instructed the operators on necessary corrections, such as rapid cooling techniques, thawing practices, and proper date-marking. The records stated, 'Operators were very cooperative and asked questions about how to gain compliance with the department. Operators stated that they will cease food preparation at an off-site facility and only prepared foods on-site, pending department's approval of the new permit application.'

​The records also stated that the operator assured health inspectors that all new meals would remain separate from any previously cooked or reheated products. 'Operator confirmed that there will be no comingling of previously cooked/cooled/reheated product and the freshly made product,' it said.

​Officials did not confirm whether additional complaints were received alongside the one that triggered the closure.

​Public Reaction and Social Media Attention

​The temporary shutdown drew significant attention online, with reactions ranging from concern about food safety to support for Knowles' venture. Despite the brief closure, the gumbo booth remained a popular attraction, with many attendees continuing to enjoy the dish once the booth reopened.

​Several social media posts showed customers leaving the booth, expressing concern after eating the gumbo, while others gave their opinions on how it tasted. Despite the controversy, multiple customers have expressed positive reactions on how the food tasted.