South Korean Michelin-starred restaurant owner faces jail for serving illegal ant garnish

South Korean prosecutors have asked a court to impose a one‑year prison term and a fine of 20 million won on the owner of a two‑star Michelin restaurant for using ants as a dessert topping, a practice not permitted under the country's food‑safety law. The law lists only ten insect species as edible; ants are excluded. Investigators say roughly 49,000 ants were imported from the United States and Thailand and used in sorbet garnishes over four years, and that the insects contained up to 55 times more heavy metals than allowed for edible insects.

The restaurateur admitted serving the ants but argued they were used in a small part of the 15‑course menu and that diners could choose alternatives; about 60 % allegedly accepted the ant garnish. The case, which began after online reviews showed photos of the dishes, will be decided on 2 September.