Archive · 23 Jul 2026
South Korean Michelin-starred restaurant on trial for serving ants
A fancy restaurant in Seoul, South Korea, is in trouble for serving desserts with ants.
The restaurant has two Michelin stars, which means it's supposed to be really good.
But the problem is that ants aren't allowed to be eaten in South Korea.
The restaurant brought in almost 50,000 ants from the U.S. and Thailand and used them in desserts for four years.
The government found out and is now trying to punish the owner.
They say the ants have too many bad chemicals.
The restaurant says they didn't know it was illegal.
The judge will decide what happens on September 2.
A Michelin-starred restaurant in Seoul is on trial for serving desserts with dried ants.
The restaurant imported 49,000 ants from the U.S. and Thailand over four years.
South Korea has only approved 10 insect species for consumption, and ants are not on the list.
Prosecutors are seeking a one-year jail term and a fine of over $10,000 for the restaurant owner.
The ants contained up to 55 times more heavy metals than typical edible insects, according to health authorities.
- Who
- The owner of a Michelin-starred restaurant in Seoul, South Korea
- What
- Serving desserts garnished with dried ants
- When
- The practice occurred over the last four years; the trial is ongoing with a verdict expected on September 2
- Where
- Seoul, South Korea
- Why
- The restaurant imported and used ants in desserts, which are not approved for human consumption in South Korea and contain high levels of heavy metals.
Restaurant's Defense
Prosecution's Case
Legality of Ant Consumption
Restaurant's Defense
The restaurant claims its chef was unaware that serving ants was illegal in South Korea, as it was common in the U.S. and Europe.
Prosecution's Case
Prosecutors argue that the restaurant knowingly violated South Korean food safety regulations by serving unapproved insects.
Health Concerns
Restaurant's Defense
The restaurant may argue that ants are consumed in other countries and pose no significant health risk.
Prosecution's Case
Health authorities state that the ants contained up to 55 times more heavy metals than typical edible insects, posing potential health risks.
- Restaurant Location
- Seoul, South Korea
- Michelin Stars
- 2
- Number of Ants Imported
- 49,000
- Countries of Origin for Ants
- U.S. and Thailand
- Prosecution's Demanded Fine
- Over $10,000
- Prosecution's Demanded Jail Term
- 1 year
- Court Verdict Date
- September 2
- Approved Insect Species in South Korea
- 10