A renowned restaurateur behind a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Seoul, South Korea, is facing up to one year in prison after being accused of serving ants as a garnish on desserts, in a breach of South Korea’s food safety laws. Scroll down to know more.
Seoul Chef Faces Jail For Serving Ant-Topped Dessert
According to the BBC, the prosecution has asked the court to sentence the restaurant owner to one year in jail and impose a 20 million Korean won (around ₹ 14 lakh) fine on the business.
The case focuses on South Korea’s Food Sanitation Act, which allows only 10 approved insect species for human consumption, including grasshoppers, locusts and crickets. Ants, however, are not on the approved list, making their use in food illegal.
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The investigation apparently began after officials from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety spotted online reviews showing photographs of frozen sorbets topped with ants. According to local media cited by the BBC, investigators believe nearly 49,000 imported ants from Thailand and the United States were served across various dishes over a four-year period.
During court hearings, the restaurateur admitted to using ants but argued that they formed only a small part of a 15-course tasting menu. The chef also stated that diners were given a choice, with around 60% opting for the ant-garnished sorbet, while others chose alternatives such as edible flowers or fermented vinegar.
Ants Not A Part Of South Korea’s Food Safety Law
The owner further argued that several acclaimed restaurants in countries including the United Kingdom, Denmark and Australia also include ants on their menus. However, prosecutors maintained that using ingredients not approved under South Korean law remains illegal, irrespective of international culinary trends.
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Authorities alleged that the ant-topped dessert was served more than 12,200 times, generating high revenue for the restaurant. While court documents have not identified the establishment by name, only 10 restaurants in Seoul currently hold two Michelin stars. A verdict in the case is expected on September 2.
Image Courtesy: X/Evett Restaurant, Pexels
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