South Korean Michelin-Starred Restaurant Faces Prison Over Illegal Ant Dessert

Seoul authorities have opened a criminal case against the owner of a two‑Michelin‑starred restaurant in Gangnam after it served a sorbet topped with black ants imported from the United States and Thailand. The ants, which are not among the ten insect species permitted for human consumption under South Korean law, were used in about 12,200 portions over four years, generating roughly 120 million won (≈ $81,000) in revenue.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety reported that the insects contained heavy‑metal levels up to 55 times higher than those found in approved edible insects. Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of up to one year and a fine of 20 million won. The owner, who expressed remorse and claimed ignorance of the regulations, will face a court decision in September.

The case highlights South Korea’s strict food‑safety regulations and the legal risks faced by high‑end establishments that use unconventional ingredients without proper authorization.