Michelin Restaurant Owner Faces Jail Time in South Korea for Using Ants in Desserts
South Korean prosecutors have demanded a one-year prison sentence for the owner of a two-Michelin-star restaurant accused of illegally using ants in dishes. They also requested a fine of 20 million won (about €13,500).
Prosecutors in South Korea are seeking a one-year prison term for the owner of a Michelin-starred restaurant charged with using ants in desserts, which are not approved for human consumption in the country. The restaurant, awarded two Michelin stars, served ants as a garnish for sorbets in a 15-course tasting menu.
In addition to the prison sentence, prosecutors have requested a fine of 20 million won (approximately €13,500) for the restaurant. The owner admitted that ants were served to guests but emphasized that they were only a minor part of the menu and that alternative dishes without ants were also offered.
The case came to light after food safety authorities discovered online customer reviews and photos showing dishes containing ants. Investigators estimate that about 49,000 ants were used over four years, imported from the United States and Thailand. Inspections revealed that the insects contained significantly higher levels of heavy metals than allowed for food-grade insects.
In his defense, the restaurant owner argued that ants are used as an ingredient in other countries around the world.
