Ants in Desserts: South Korean prosecutors have sought a one-year prison sentence for the owner of a two-Michelin-star restaurant accused of illegally serving ants as part of its tasting menu. According to local media reports, prosecutors also requested a fine of 20 million Korean won (around $13,510) for the restaurant, arguing that the use of ants violated South Korea’s food safety regulations.
Why Were the Ants Considered Illegal?
The controversy centres on South Korea’s food laws, which currently approve only 10 insect species for human consumption. While edible insects such as grasshoppers, locusts and two-spotted crickets are permitted, ants are not included on the government’s approved list. Authorities therefore allege that serving ants in dishes breached national food safety regulations.
Restaurant Says Ants Were Optional for Diners
During court proceedings, the restaurant owner admitted that ants were served but argued they appeared only in a small portion of the restaurant’s 15-course tasting menu. According to the defence, the insects were sprinkled on sorbets as a garnish, and customers were informed that they could choose alternative toppings such as fermented vinegar or edible flowers instead. The owner also claimed that only about 60% of diners opted to try the ants.
Investigation Began After Online Food Reviews
The case reportedly came to light after officials from South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety discovered online reviews featuring photographs of dishes topped with ants. Investigators later estimated that around 49,000 ants, imported from the United States and Thailand, had been used in several dishes over a period of four years.
Health Authorities Raise Heavy Metal Concerns
Beyond the legal issue of serving an unapproved insect, health authorities also raised food safety concerns. According to reports cited by The Chosun Daily, laboratory testing found that the ants used by the restaurant contained up to 55 times more heavy metals than typically approved edible insects, adding another layer of concern to the prosecution’s case.
Restaurant Defends Practice by Citing International Fine Dining
In its defence, the restaurant owner argued that ants are used as culinary ingredients in several countries, including Australia, Denmark and the United Kingdom. The defence maintained that diners were given informed choices and that the insects formed only a minor component of an otherwise elaborate tasting experience.
Restaurant Identity Remains Undisclosed
Court documents have not publicly identified either the restaurant or its owner. South Korea currently has 10 restaurants with two Michelin stars, all located in Seoul, making it difficult to determine which establishment is involved in the case.
How Michelin Awards Two-Star Restaurants
The Michelin Guide awards up to three stars based on several factors, including ingredient quality, mastery of flavours, cooking techniques, the chef’s personality reflected in the cuisine and consistency. Restaurants receiving two Michelin stars are described by Michelin as offering “excellent cooking” that is “worth a detour.”
Verdict Scheduled for September 2
The court is expected to deliver its verdict on September 2, when it will decide whether to convict the restaurant owner and impose the prison sentence and financial penalty requested by prosecutors.
Ants are Considered a Delicacy in Several Countries
Although ants are not approved for consumption under South Korean law, they are widely eaten in parts of the world. Weaver ants and their eggs are commonly used in Thai and Cambodian cuisine, while queen ants are regarded as a delicacy in Colombia, where they are sometimes compared to caviar.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available reports from credible sources. Readers are advised to refer to official statements and court records for the latest updates.
