The company in charge of feeding thousands of athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympic Village has slammed reports of worms being found in the food.
This comes after British silver medallist swimmer Adam Peaty claimed that several athletes discovered worms in their fish dishes, adding that the food standard in the Olympic Village was “just not good enough.”
In a recent interview with a British media outlet, Peaty shared his displeasure over several issues in the Olympic Village, particularly the food situation.
He spoke of unsanitary conditions facing athletes in the Olympic Village, and even recounted an instance where he found worms in his food.
“The nutrition isn’t good enough for the level expected of athletes. At the end of the day, we have to perform at our best. In Tokyo, the food was amazing, just like in Rio. But this time, there aren’t enough protein options, and there are long lines with 30-minute waits to eat,” said the Briton.
“I want to eat meat, I need meat to compete, and that’s what I eat at home, so why would I change that?
“I also like fish, but people have found worms. I just want everyone to have the best conditions. And I think athletes are the best ones to highlight the situation,” he added.
No photographic evidence was shared to support Peaty's claim.
Adam Peaty says worms are being found in the food at Paris 2024 as he alleged a “narrative of sustainability” in the Olympic Village is failing athletes.
— Chris Milbank (@ChrisMilbank) August 6, 2024
But a committee representing 'Sodexo Live!' (the company in charge of catering at the Olympic Games) has rejected the criticism of the cafeteria food served to athletes and its potential hazard to their health.
“There has been zero proof of the truthfulness of this statement, which raises a rather serious allegation. There is no information that's been able to provide validity to this sensationalist claim”, the committee told “TMZ Sports”.
The company added that it had not received any complaints from the “Team Great Britain” athletes.
“The 550 dishes on offer in the dining hall were developed together with the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over a period of more than a year,” the committee told the publication, weighing in on the controversy.
“We always listen to the athletes and take their feedback very seriously. Paris 2024 continues to liaise closely with nutritionists of the National Olympic Committees and is ready to make any further adjustments needed to the food service.”