49,000 ants: South Korea's Michelin-starred restaurateur faces jail over insects in desserts
A Michelin-starred restaurant owner in South Korea faces potential jail time for serving desserts topped with black ants. Prosecutors argue the practice violates the Food Sanitation Act, as ants are not an approved food ingredient in the country.
Why it matters
The case highlights the intersection of culinary innovation and strict food safety regulations, raising questions about the legal status of novel ingredients.
Fancy a sprinkle of ants on your dessert?
That was the unusual garnish served at a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in South Korea — and it has landed its owner in trouble with local authorities, South Korean media outlet The Korea Herald reported on Tuesday (July 21).
The owner of the restaurant is accused of violating the Food Sanitation Act and he could face a possible one-year jail term for serving black ants as a topping on a palate-cleansing sorbet, reported Yonhap News Agency.
The chef reportedly topped the icy desserts with "three to five" ants "to add a sour taste".
Ants are not approved for use as food ingredients for human consumption in South Korea.
Court documents did not name either the restaurant or its owner.
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