The proprietor of a prestigious Michelin-starred dining establishment in Seoul’s upscale Gangnam district is facing potential imprisonment for incorporating ants into a dessert offering. South Korean authorities are examining the restaurant following allegations that it included ants in a sorbet dish. The owner, unnamed, acknowledged using ants as a minor component in the restaurant’s 15-course menu but clarified that diners could request ant-free versions of the dish.
The investigation was initiated after images and videos of the ant-topped dishes were shared on social media and in reviews. South Korea permits the consumption of only 10 types of insects, such as grasshoppers, mealworms, and silkworm pupae, for culinary purposes. Allegations suggest that the restaurant imported dried ants from the United States and Thailand over five years, utilizing nearly 50,000 ants in total. It is claimed that approximately 12,200 servings of desserts with ant toppings were sold, generating around £60,647.
The restaurant contested the figures, stating that only about 60% of patrons who ordered the desserts opted for the ant topping, resulting in lower revenue. Prosecutors are seeking a one-year prison term for the restaurant owner and a £10,108 fine for the restaurant’s operating company. The defense argued that only a few dishes on the menu included ants as an option and highlighted that restaurants in other countries like the UK and Australia also use ants in their recipes.
The chef responsible for the ant-laced desserts explained that he used ants to enhance the acidity of the desserts, citing previous experience with this practice in Europe and the US. He claimed ignorance of the illegality of using ants in South Korea. The maximum punishment under South Korean law for this offense is five years in prison and a £50,000 fine. The court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on September 2.
