Michelin-starred restaurateur faces jail for using ants as dessert garnish
Summary
South Korean prosecutors have asked for a one-year jail sentence and a fine for the owner of a Michelin two-star restaurant that used ants as a garnish on desserts. The ants are not approved for human consumption in South Korea, and health officials found the ants contained high levels of heavy metals. The court will decide the case in September.Key Facts
- The restaurant used about 49,000 ants over four years, mainly as a topping for sorbet.
- Ants are not in the list of 10 insect species approved by South Korean law for eating; approved insects include grasshoppers and crickets.
- The ants were imported from the US and Thailand.
- Health authorities found the ants had up to 55 times more heavy metals than typical edible insects.
- The owner said only about 60% of customers chose to eat the ants; others received alternative toppings.
- Similar use of ants as food occurs in countries like Australia, Denmark, and the UK.
- The restaurant holds two Michelin stars, a rating for excellent cooking and quality.
- The court will announce its verdict on September 2.
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