ODESSA, Texas—Leaders of the Black Cultural Council say volunteers and the black community felt “humiliated” after two health department food inspectors threatened to put a stop to a Juneteenth celebration over questions about food preparation for 600 free barbecue sandwiches.

Council President Jo Ann Davenport-Littleton said health inspectors told them it was illegal for the group to serve the sandwiches because they were not prepared at the site where they were served.

Gino Solla, the county’s top health official, said state law prohibits any food service operation from having food prepared in a private home for public consumption.

The council, which has contracted with an individual to prepare the food offsite for the past 11 years, was eventually able to serve the sandwiches Thursday after police were called to the center and a “heated” argument with the inspectors, the newspaper reported. The group is demanding an apology.