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SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean prosecutors are seeking a one-year prison sentence for the owner of a two-Michelin-star restaurant accused of illegally serving ants as part of a dessert course, arguing the insects were not approved for human consumption under the country’s food safety regulations, The Guardian reports. Prosecutors also requested a fine of 20 million won (about $13,500) against the restaurant during court proceedings this week. The court is expected to issue its ruling Sept. 2, according to The Daily Caller.
South Korean food laws permit only a limited number of insect species to be sold for human consumption. Approved edible insects include species such as grasshoppers, locusts and certain crickets, but ants are not among those authorized by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Springer reported. Officials evaluate insects for approval based on factors including toxicity, food safety, nutritional value and whether they can be raised and processed under sanitary conditions.
According to investigators, authorities began examining the restaurant after discovering online customer reviews that included photographs showing dishes garnished with ants. The investigation concluded that roughly 49,000 ants imported from the United States and Thailand were served in multiple dishes over a four-year period.
Health officials also alleged that laboratory testing found the ants contained heavy metal levels significantly higher than those typically found in approved edible insects. The findings became part of the prosecution’s case alleging violations of South Korea’s food safety laws.
The restaurant owner acknowledged serving ants but argued they represented only a small component of the establishment’s multi-course tasting menu. Defense attorneys said diners were informed in advance and could choose alternative garnishes, including edible flowers or fermented vinegar, instead of the ants. They also argued that restaurants in several other countries, including Australia, Denmark and the United Kingdom, have incorporated ants into fine dining dishes.
Court filings did not identify either the restaurant or its owner. South Korea currently has 10 restaurants with two Michelin stars, all located in Seoul. According to the Michelin Guide, two-star restaurants are recognized for excellent cooking that is considered worth making a special trip to experience.
Although ants are prohibited for commercial food use under current South Korean regulations, they have long been eaten in parts of Asia, Africa and Latin America. Various species are used in traditional dishes in countries including Thailand and Cambodia, while queen ants are considered a delicacy in parts of Colombia.
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