Archive · 22 Jul 2026
Seoul Chef Faces Jail for Ant Garnish
A famous chef in Seoul is in trouble for using ants as a topping on desserts.
The chef says it was a small part of a big meal and that customers could choose not to have it.
But the law in South Korea says only certain insects can be eaten, and ants are not on that list.
The chef could go to jail for a year and has to pay a big fine.
The judge will decide on September 2.
A two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Seoul is facing legal trouble for serving ants as a dessert garnish.
The restaurant owner could face a one-year prison sentence and a fine of 20 million Korean won.
The issue was discovered by food safety officials who saw online reviews with photos of the ant-topped desserts.
The restaurant owner defended the practice, stating that diners had a choice and that ants were only a small part of the menu.
Prosecutors argue that serving unapproved ingredients is illegal under South Korean law, regardless of customer choice.
- Who
- A prominent restaurateur in Seoul
- What
- Facing jail for serving ants as a dessert garnish
- When
- Final verdict expected on September 2
- Where
- Seoul, South Korea
- Why
- Violation of South Korea's Food Sanitation Act, which does not permit ants as a food ingredient
Restaurant Owner's Defense
Prosecutors' Argument
Use of Ants in Dishes
Restaurant Owner's Defense
Ants were a small part of a 15-course tasting menu, with diners given a choice to opt out.
Prosecutors' Argument
Serving unapproved ingredients is illegal under South Korean law, regardless of customer choice.
International Precedent
Restaurant Owner's Defense
Top eateries in countries like the UK, Denmark, and Australia regularly feature ants on their menus.
Prosecutors' Argument
South Korean law specifically permits only 10 insect species for human consumption, excluding ants.
- Restaurant Rating
- Two-Michelin-starred
- Potential Sentence
- One-year prison sentence
- Fine Amount
- 20 million Korean won (approximately Rs 14 Lakh)
- Number of Ants Served
- Approximately 49,000
- Duration of Service
- Four years
- Number of Servings
- Over 12,200 times
- Expected Verdict Date
- September 2
