Korea prosecutors seek jail for Michelin-star chef over ants

South Korean prosecutors have requested a one-year prison sentence and a 20 million won fine for the owner of a two-Michelin-star restaurant in Seoul, following allegations that the establishment illegally served ants as a garnish. The case, which concluded its first trial on July 20, centers on violations of the Food Sanitation Act, as ants are not among the ten insect species approved for human consumption under national law.

The investigation began after officials from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety discovered online reviews featuring photographs of dishes topped with ants. Prosecutors allege the restaurant imported dried ants from the United States and Thailand, using an estimated 49,000 of the insects in its dishes over a four-year period beginning in 2021. They further contend that ant-topped sorbet was served more than 12,200 times, generating approximately 120 million won in revenue.

In court, the restaurant owner admitted to using ants but contested the scale of the alleged violation. The defense argued the ants featured only as an optional garnish on sorbet within a 15-course tasting menu, with customers informed they could choose alternatives like fermented...