Case Overview
South Korean prosecutors have filed a criminal case against the owner of a Michelin‑starred restaurant, seeking a one‑year jail term for allegedly using ants as a dessert garnish.
Legal Context
Ants are not listed among the ten insect species approved for human consumption in South Korea. The authorities demanded a 20 million Korean won fine (about $13,510) in addition to the potential imprisonment.
Owner’s Defense
The restaurateur admitted to incorporating ants into a small part of the 15‑course menu—topping sorbets—and claimed that diners were informed they could choose non‑ant options.
Discovery and Figures
Ministry of Food and Drug Safety investigators identified online reviews with photos of ant‑sprinkled dishes. They estimate that roughly 49,000 ants, imported from the United States and Thailand, were used over a four‑year span.
Health Concerns
Authorities noted that the ants contained up to 55 times more heavy metals than typical edible insects, raising serious food‑safety issues.
Regulatory Criteria
South Korean law requires insects to meet stringent safety, toxicity, nutritional, and breeding standards before approval.
International Comparison
The owner pointed to practices in Australia, Denmark and the UK where ants are used in culinary contexts, positioning the case within a global trend.
Court Proceedings
Neither the restaurant nor its owner is named in court documents. Ten Seoul‑based restaurants hold two Michelin stars. The verdict is scheduled for 2 September.
Cultural Context
Ants have long been consumed as delicacies in parts of Asia, Africa and Latin America, including the use of weaver ants in Thai cuisine and queen ants in Colombia.
