South Korean prosecutors have requested a one-year prison sentence for the owner of a two-Michelin-star restaurant in Seoul, along with a fine of 20 million Korean won (approximately $13,510), according to reports. The charges stem from allegations that the establishment served ants as a garnish on desserts, specifically sorbets offered as part of a 15-course tasting menu.
Ants do not appear on South Korea’s list of approved insects for human consumption. The country’s regulations permit only 10 insect species for food use, including grasshoppers, locusts, and two-spotted crickets. Authorities discovered the practice after reviewing online dining reviews containing photographs of the ant-garnished dishes. Investigators estimate approximately 49,000 ants, sourced from the United States and Thailand, were used across multiple dishes during a four-year period.
The restaurant owner acknowledged serving the ants but contended they represented a minor component of the menu available only as an optional topping. He stated that diners were informed of alternatives, including fermented vinegar and edible flowers, with approximately 60 percent of guests choosing to try the ants. However, health authorities reported that the ants used contained heavy metal concentrations up to 55 times higher than typical edible insects. The prosecution’s decision regarding approved food insects considers factors such as safety risks, toxicity, nutritional value, and hygiene standards in breeding and processing.
The restaurant owner referenced culinary practices in other nations, noting that establishments in Australia, Denmark, and the United Kingdom similarly incorporate ants into dishes. While ants are consumed and occasionally regarded as delicacies in various Asian, African, and Latin American cultures—including use in Thai and Cambodian cuisines and Colombian cuisine—they remain unapproved in South Korea.
The court is scheduled to issue its verdict on 2 September.
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