Prosecutors in South Korea have requested a one-year prison sentence for the owner of a Michelin-starred restaurant in Seoul’s Gangnam district for serving a dessert containing ants. In addition, they have sought a fine of 20 million won (approximately £10,000) against the company operating the establishment.

The case arose following an investigation initiated by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Authorities became aware of the ant-topped dessert after spotting references to the dish in blog posts and on social media platforms, rather than discovering it through standard inspections. The dish in question was a sorbet dessert sprinkled with ants.

Under South Korean food regulations, only a limited number of insect species are permitted for use as food ingredients. The approved list includes grasshoppers, mealworms, and silkworm pupae, among ten other species. Ants are not included on this list, which forms the legal basis for the prosecution's case against the restaurant owner.

The restaurant, known for its upscale dining experience and culinary innovation, has sparked debate over the boundaries of modern cuisine and food safety regulations. While some view the use of unconventional ingredients as a creative culinary expression, regulators emphasize the importance of adhering to approved food safety standards to protect public health.

No official statement has yet been released by the restaurant’s management concerning the allegations or the prosecutors’ request. The court is expected to consider both the violation of food safety laws and the broader implications for the restaurant industry as the case proceeds.