[REVISION HISTORY]

Seoul Michelin chef faces prison over illegal ant garnish

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-07-30 06:01 UTC → 2026-08-01 17:43 UTC · added ~~removed~~

South Korean prosecutors have formally charged the owner of a two‑star Michelin restaurant in Seoul’s Gangnam district for violating the Food Safety Act by using dried black ants imported from the United States and Thailand as an optional garnish on sorbet desserts. Laboratory analysis found heavy‑metal concentrations far above legal limits, and the ants are not among the ten insect species permitted for human consumption in South Korea. The case entered the public eye after the venue was featured on a Netflix program; diners posted photographs of the ant‑topped desserts online, prompting food‑safety inspectors to investigate. Authorities confirmed that roughly 12,200 dessert portions were served with the garnish, using an estimated 40,000 ants and generating about 120 million won (≈ $80,000) in revenue. The chef, an Australian national, acknowledges using the ants but disputes the figures, noting that about 60 % of customers chose the garnish and that it was a minor menu element. Under South Korean law, businesses must obtain temporary approval to use any insect not on the approved list, a step the restaurant did not take. A criminal case opened on 24 July 2026 seeks a one‑year prison term and a fine of 20 million won. A court hearing is scheduled for 2 September 2026, where prosecutors will request the sentence and fine. A verdict is expected ~~in early September 2026.~~ shortly thereafter.

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