Seoul Michelin‑starred restaurant owner faces jail over illegal ant garnish

A two‑Michelin‑starred restaurant in Seoul’s Gangnam district is on trial for violating South Korea’s Food Sanitation Act. Prosecutors say the chef‑owner imported dried ants from the United States and Thailand and used them as a garnish on sorbet desserts for about four years. Roughly 49,000 ants were served in 12,200 portions, generating about 120 million won in revenue. Ants are not among the ten insect species approved for human consumption in South Korea, and laboratory tests found heavy‑metal levels up to 55 times higher than allowed for permitted insects.

The owner admitted that ants were used, but argued they were optional and only about 60 % of diners chose the garnish. Authorities have asked a Seoul court to impose a one‑year prison term and a fine of 20 million won. The verdict is scheduled for early September.