In brief
A Los‑Angeles‑style Michelin‑starred eatery has been hauled into court after prosecutors found that its 15‑course menu featured ants sprinkled on sorbets and other dishes. Over a four‑year span investigators estimate that about 49,000 imported ants were used, disallowed by national food‑safety regulations. The restaurant, which holds two Michelin stars, faces a one‑year jail term and a 20 million Korean‑won fine. The owner argues that diners could opt out of the insect toppings and that similar practices appear overseas. The case is slated for judgment on September 2.
Prosecutors seek a one‑year jail term for a Michelin‑starred restaurant that served ants as a dessert garnish.
South Korean authorities argue that ants are not on the approved list of edible insects, which includes grasshoppers, locusts and two‑spot crickets. The restaurant, which holds two Michelin stars, allegedly used ants in a small portion of a 15‑course menu—primarily as a topping for sorbets. Diners were reportedly notified that they could opt for non‑ant alternatives.
Investigators estimate that 49,000 ants imported from the United States and Thailand were used over four years. Health officials also warned that the insects contained up to 55 times the heavy‑metal content of typical edible insects.
The owner defended the practice by noting that only a third of patrons accepted the ant garnish and that similar cell‑culture insect use occurs in Australia, Denmark and the United Kingdom. The court will rule on September 2.
