A Michelin-starred restaurant owner in South Korea is facing a one-year jail term for serving ants as a dessert garnish in various dishes over four years. Prosecutors have asked the court to fine the restaurant 20 million Korean won (£10,100) and revoke its two Michelin stars.
The case came to light after health authorities discovered online reviews with photographs of dishes sprinkled with ants. Investigators estimate that around 49,000 ants, imported from the US and Thailand, were used in several dishes over four years.
The restaurant owner admitted to serving ants but argued that they were used in a 'small part' of the 15-course menu and that diners were told they could opt for non-ant toppings. However, health authorities found that the ants contained up to 55 times more heavy metals than typical edible insects.
The use of ants as a food ingredient is not approved under South Korea's laws, which consider several criteria in deciding whether insects can be approved as food. The restaurant owner also argued that restaurants in other countries, such as Australia, Denmark and the UK, also use ants as ingredients.
Ants are eaten in several Asian, African and Latin American cultures, where they are sometimes valued as a delicacy. However, the use of ants as a food ingredient is not without controversy, and this case highlights the need for stricter regulations on the use of insects in food.