The owner of a Michelin-starred restaurant in South Korea is facing one year in jail for garnishing a palate-cleansing sorbet with black ants 'to add a sour taste', local media reported. Seoul prosecutors requested the prison term for the anonymous owner at a Monday court hearing for violating food safety regulations. The restaurant, which holds two prized Michelin stars, is accused of serving forbidden insects imported from Thailand and the US. Authorities launched their probe last year, claiming the chef topped the icy desserts with 'three to five' ants. He made around 12,000 sales worth 120 million won ($81,000) over nearly four years until January 2025. In addition to the prison term, prosecutors asked the Seoul Western District Court to issue a 20 million won fine. The defendant's lawyers argued the ant-topped confections were served only to customers who had consented in advance. The court is due to deliver its ruling in early September.
FAQs
Why is the restaurant owner facing jail time?
The owner is facing jail time for violating South Korean food safety regulations by serving sorbet garnished with black ants, which are not approved for human consumption under local law.
What insects are approved for human consumption in South Korea?
Under South Korean law, only 10 insect species are approved for human consumption, including grasshoppers and brown mealworm larvae.
How many sales did the restaurant make with the ant-topped sorbet?
The restaurant made around 12,000 sales worth 120 million won ($81,000) over nearly four years until January 2025.
What did the defendant's lawyers argue in defense?
The defendant's lawyers argued that the ant-topped confections were served only to customers who had consented in advance.
