Michelin Chef Faces Jail for Ant Dessert

South Korean prosecutors have requested a one-year jail sentence for the owner of a prestigious, two-Michelin-starred restaurant. The charges stem from the alleged use of ants as a dessert garnish, a practice not permitted under national food safety laws. These laws only approve 10 specific insect species for human consumption, excluding ants.

Investigators estimate that approximately 49,000 ants, sourced from the United States and Thailand, were served across various dishes over a four-year period. Health authorities also discovered that these ants contained up to 55 times more heavy metals than commonly recognized edible insects.

During the proceedings, the restaurant owner acknowledged serving ants, asserting they were used sparingly as a topping for sorbets and that patrons were offered alternatives. The case gained traction after online reviews with photographic evidence of ant-adorned dishes surfaced. The court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on September 2, 2026.