Spectators stole a “record breaking” 2,460ft sandwich from the display tables before it could be officially confirmed by Guinness World Records.
Thousands of spectators stormed barriers and seized portions of the giant sandwich before it could be confirmed as a new record.
The attempt was organised by the popular steakhouse El Tano in Avellaneda, Argentina, to mark its 25th anniversary.
READ MORE: Woman, 24, dies in ‘botched lipo operation’ after surgeon punctures lung
The occasion also coincided with Argentina’s May Revolution Day on 25 May.
The sandwich was prepared in ‘matambre a la pizza’ style with 1,500kg of flank steak, 1,050 individual 75cm loaves, tomato sauce, ham, mozzarella, oregano and other toppings, yielding over 7,000 portions.
Preparation began around 11am with ingredients delivered by truck and long tables assembled along Mitre Avenue, but significant delays pushed the cutting and serving into the afternoon.
According to organisers, around 30,000 people showed up to the event after it was heavily promoted on social media.
But cooks were still working by 4pm as frustration mounted among the large crowd.
Scores of impatient spectators then tore down security barriers and rushed the tables, grabbing pieces of the sandwich amid pushing and shouting.
Some also took event equipment, as reported by Need To Know.
Videos showed attendees running along the street and snatching food directly from the preparation area.
The event, backed by the local municipality under Mayor Jorge Ferraresi, had been intended as a celebratory community feast.
Instead, footage of the looting spread rapidly online, prompting widespread criticism and memes on social platforms.
Organisers later issued a statement expressing regret over the ugly scenes.
They noted that the day had largely featured a positive family atmosphere, but ended with “a bitter taste” after months of preparation.
The actions were described as disrespectful to the workers and to those who had waited patiently.
Rodrigo, manager of El Tano Steakhouse, said: “We had already finished the sandwich and everything was sliced to be handed out, but some kids climbed the fences, knocked them down, and the crowd just rushed the tables.”
A notary was present for the attempted record certification, which aimed to surpass a previous 735-metre mark from 2011.
However, the immediate looting has heavily complicated official ratification from Guinness World Records and no confirmation has been issued yet.
READ MORE: Elderly driver chucks soiled nappies out of moving car
