Michelin-starred Seoul restaurant faces jail term over banned ant garnish

South Korean prosecutors seek jail time for restaurant owner over ant garnish

Prosecutors requested a one-year prison sentence and a 20 million won fine for the owner of a two-Michelin-star restaurant in Seoul after investigators found ants used as a dessert garnish that are not approved for human consumption under South Korean law, officials said.

Authorities said the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety uncovered online diner reviews with photographs showing ants served atop sorbets. Investigators estimated roughly 49,000 ants imported from the US and Thailand were used across several dishes over four years.

The owner admitted to serving ants as a topping on portions of a 15-course menu but said diners were offered alternatives and that about 60% had opted to try the ants. Prosecutors also cited a report noting the ants contained up to 55 times more heavy metals than typical edible insects.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The prosecution seeks one year in prison and a 20 million won fine for the restaurant owner; the case centers on using ant species not included among the 10 insect species approved for consumption in South Korea. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety identified the practice via diner photographs, and investigators documented the import and use of approximately 49,000 ants over four years. The owner acknowledged serving ants on some dishes and stated alternatives were offered to diners.

Court records did not name the restaurant or owner; the court is scheduled to deliver a verdict on 2 September. Ten restaurants in Seoul hold two Michelin stars, and prosecutors emphasized food safety and legal compliance in their request.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Prosecutors seek a one-year jail term and a 20 million won fine for the restaurant owner.
• Ants not among South Korea’s 10 legally approved edible insect species were used as a dessert garnish.
• Investigators estimate about 49,000 ants imported from the US and Thailand were served over four years; a report cited elevated heavy metal levels in the ants.