The owner of a Michelin-starred restaurant in Seoul faces a potential prison sentence for serving a dessert containing ants, which are not approved for consumption under South Korean food safety regulations. Prosecutors have requested a one-year jail term for the restaurateur, along with a 20 million won fine (approximately £10,100) for the company operating the establishment, according to reports on Monday.

The restaurant, located in the affluent Gangnam district and awarded two Michelin stars, reportedly offered a sorbet sprinkled with ants to customers who requested the unusual topping. Authorities initiated an investigation after food safety officials observed references to ant dishes on social media and blog posts linked to the restaurant.

South Korean food law restricts edible insects to a list of ten approved species, which includes grasshoppers and silkworm pupae, but explicitly excludes ants. Establishments wishing to incorporate unlisted insects must obtain official permission prior to use.

Prosecutors allege that the restaurant imported dried ants from the United States and Thailand in 2021, subsequently serving ant-topped desserts to customers an estimated 12,200 times. The defense contested this figure, suggesting that roughly 40% of patrons declined the ant option. The restaurant’s legal team also noted that the chef had employed ants in dishes while working in the US and Europe, and claimed ignorance of the practice’s illegality in South Korea.

The case is awaiting sentencing, scheduled for 2 September.