The company responsible for feeding thousands of athletes at the Olympic Village in Paris has spoken out against claims that fish containing worms was served and has denied all allegations of substandard quality.
Earlier in August, Team GB swimmer Adam Peaty criticised the food selection and quality of products offered by French catering company Sodexo Live!, revealing that he knew other athletes who claimed to have found ‘worms in their fish’.
But no photographic evidence was ever shared to support Peaty’s claim.
Now, a committee representing Sodexo Live! has rejected any disputes over the cafeteria food served to athletes and its potential health risks.
“There has been no proof of the veracity of this statement, which obviously raises a pretty serious allegation,” the committee told TMZ Sports.
‘Sodexo Live!’ has responded to claims that the food served at the Paris Olympic Village is of poor quality
Team GB swimmer Adam Peaty spared no expense in the selection and quality of food in Paris
Peaty also said other athletes told him they had found worms in their fish.
“There is no information that can give validity to this sensationalist claim.”
The company also clarified that it had never received any complaints from athletes on the British team.
“The 550 dishes offered in the dining hall were developed together with the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and the IOC over a period of more than a year,” the Olympic Committee told TMZ Sports, weighing in on the controversy.
“We always listen to athletes and take their feedback very seriously. Paris 2024 remains in close contact with the nutritionists of the National Olympic Committees and is prepared to make any additional adjustments to the catering service that may be necessary.”
Sodexo Live! was chosen as the official catering partner of the 2024 Olympic Games in March 2022.
According to the company, approximately 40,000 meals are prepared per day for the 15,000 athletes competing in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.
An estimated 40,000 meals are prepared daily for the 15,000 athletes in the Olympic Village.
Italian swimmer Thomas Ceccon also complained about the lack of air conditioning and the lack of quietness in the Village.
Snacks and other food will also be provided to fans at the competition venues.
Meanwhile, Paris 2024 organisers also faced backlash over the clean-up of the River Seine ahead of the mixed triathlon at the Olympics.
Belgian triathlon star Jolien Vermeylen has revealed she “saw things” she “didn’t want to think about” while competing in the women’s triathlon last week.
Italian swimmer and gold medallist Thomas Ceceron was also caught sleeping in a Paris park after complaining about a lack of air conditioning and quiet in the Olympic Village amid reports of overcrowded communal bathrooms and “back-breaking” beds.