The South Korean Prosecutor's Office has requested a one-year prison sentence for the owner of a two Michelin-starred restaurant, accused of using ants as decoration in a dessert, as reported by local media.
Ants are not among the ten insect species authorized for human consumption by the country's legislation. The list of permitted species includes, among others, grasshoppers, locusts, and two-spotted crickets.
Additionally, on Monday, the Prosecutor's Office requested that the restaurant, awarded with two Michelin stars, be fined 20 million South Korean won (13,510 dollars; 10,100 pounds sterling).
The owner admitted to serving ants but argued that they were only used in a "small part" of the restaurant's 15-course tasting menu: as a topping for sorbets. He also stated that diners were informed that they could choose an alternative without ants.
The case came to light after officials from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety found reviews posted by customers on the internet, accompanied by photographs of dishes sprinkled with ants.
Investigators estimate that, over a four-year period, around 49,000 imported ants from the United States and Thailand were used in various dishes.
Health authorities also determined that the restaurant used ants that "contained up to 55 times more heavy metals than usual edible insects," according to a report published by The Chosun Daily.
South Korean authorities consider various criteria for authorizing insects as food. These include risks to food safety, toxicity, nutritional value, and the possibility of breeding and processing them under hygienic conditions.
In his defense, the restaurant owner argued that only 60% of customers chose to try the ants, while the rest were served alternatives such as fermented vinegar and edible flowers.
He also added that restaurants in other countries, such as Australia, Denmark, and the United Kingdom, also use ants as an ingredient.
The court documents do not identify either the restaurant or its owner. In South Korea, ten restaurants —all located in the capital, Seoul— have two Michelin stars.
The Michelin Guide awards up to three stars to restaurants based on the quality of ingredients, flavor mastery, culinary technique, chef's personality, and the consistency of their cuisine.
According to Michelin's criteria, two stars distinguish restaurants that offer "excellent cuisine" and are "worth a detour" to visit.
The court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on September 2.
Ants are consumed and, in some Asian, African, and Latin American cultures, they are even considered a delicacy. Weaver ants and their eggs are used in Thai and Cambodian cuisine, while in Colombia, queen ants are as highly prized as caviar.