Restaurant Owner Faces Jail for Using Ants
Wednesday, 2026/07/29158 words2 minutes2178 reads
South Korean prosecutors have requested a one-year prison sentence for the owner of a two-Michelin-star restaurant. The owner is accused of illegally serving ants as a dessert garnish. Prosecutors also want the restaurant to pay a 20 million won fine.
The owner admitted using ants but explained they were only a small part of a 15-course menu. The ants were used as a sorbet topping, and customers could choose alternatives like fermented vinegar or edible flowers. About 60% of diners selected the ants.
However, ants are not approved for human consumption under South Korean law. Only 10 insect species are allowed, including grasshoppers and crickets. Investigators discovered the restaurant imported around 49,000 ants from the United States and Thailand over four years. Health authorities found these ants contained up to 55 times more heavy metals than typical edible insects.
The court will announce its verdict on September 2, 2026. This case highlights South Korea's strict food safety regulations.
