South Korean prosecutors have sought a one-year jail term for the owner of a Michelin-starred restaurant accused of using ants as a dessert garnish. The restaurant, located in Seoul's Gangnam district, is also facing a 20 million won (£10,100) fine. Prosecutors allege that the establishment, Evett, imported and served approximately 49,000 ants in various dishes since 2021, despite ants not being among the 10 insect species approved for human consumption in South Korea.
The restaurant's owner admitted to using ants as a garnish but argued that they were only used in a small part of the 15-course menu and that diners were offered alternatives. Health authorities found that the ants contained up to 55 times more heavy metals than typical edible insects, raising concerns about food safety. The case came to light after officials from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety discovered online reviews with photographs of dishes sprinkled with ants.
South Korean authorities consider several criteria in deciding whether insects can be approved as food, including food safety risks, toxicity, nutritional value, and hygienic processing. The restaurant's owner defended the practice by stating that 60% of diners opted to try the ants, while the rest were served alternatives like fermented vinegar and edible flowers. He also noted that restaurants in other countries, such as Australia, Denmark, and the UK, use ants as ingredients.
The Michelin Guide awards up to three stars to eateries based on ingredient quality, flavor mastery, cooking technique, and chef's personality. Ten restaurants in South Korea, all located in Seoul, have been awarded two Michelin stars.