SerpApi.Org
The owner of a South Korean restaurant with two Michelin stars is facing possible prison time over a sorbet topping: dried ants. Prosecutors in Seoul have asked a court to sentence the unnamed restaurateur to one year in jail and fine the company that runs the restaurant 20 million won (about $13,500) for using ants as a garnish in violation of the Food Sanitation Act, reports the Korea Herald.
Ants are not among the 10 insect species—which include grasshoppers, mealworms, and silkworm pupae, per the Guardian—the country allows for human consumption. The BBC reports Ministry of Food and Drug Safety officials realized ants were being used after seeing online reviews with photos that diners had posted.
The owner admitted serving the ants on some desserts in his 15-course menu but says diners were told of the garnish in advance and could choose alternatives like vinegar or edible flowers. Officials believe an estimated 49,000 dried ants from the US and Thailand were used by the restaurant over four years; the restaurant said the figure is incorrect, as it was based on all diners consuming the ants, when only 60% opted to do so. Court documents do not specify the restaurant or its owner, but the Times cites local media as reporting it's Evett, run by Australian chef Joseph Lidgerwood. The court's verdict is due Sept. 2. (This content was created with the help of AI. Read our AI policy.)
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