The case centres on the use of ants as a topping for sorbets and several other dishes on the restaurant’s 15-course menu. The owner admitted to serving ants but argued that they were used only in a small part of the menu and that diners were informed they could choose non-ant toppings instead.
The investigation began after officials from South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety found online reviews posted by diners that included photographs of dishes sprinkled with ants.Authorities estimate that the restaurant imported ants from the United States and Thailand and used around 49,000 of them in several dishes over four years.
Health authorities also found that the ants contained up to 55 times as much heavy metal as typical edible insects, according to ‘The Chosun Daily’.
South Korea currently permits only 10 insect species for human consumption, including grasshoppers, locusts and two-spotted crickets. Authorities consider factors such as food safety risks, toxicity, nutritional value, and the ability to breed and process insects hygienically before approving them for consumption.
In its defence, the restaurateur said around 60% of diners opted to try the ants, while the remaining customers were served alternatives such as fermented vinegar and edible flowers. The owner also argued that restaurants in countries including Australia, Denmark and the UK use ants as ingredients.
Court documents do not identify the restaurant or its owner. South Korea has 10 restaurants with two Michelin stars, all of them located in Seoul.
The court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on September 2.
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First Published: Jul 22, 2026 12:02 AM IS
