Michelin Star chef facing jail time for his sorbet – all because he wanted to ‘add a sour taste’ to the dessert

The owner of a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Seoul just landed in a situation that could belong in a drama, but with serious consequences. As reported by CNN and the BBC, this restaurant owner is currently facing the possibility of a year-long jail sentence and a hefty fine because of a specific garnish used on a sherbet dessert. The ingredient in question is ants. While edible, it is unacceptable to South Korean food safety authorities.

Per the report, the issue isn’t that insects were added to the menu. South Korea has a long history with insects in its cuisine. For instance, beondegi, steamed silkworm pupae, are often sold by street vendors. The problem is the country’s strict Food Sanitation Act. The regulations only permit 10 specific insect species, such as grasshoppers, locusts, and two-spotted crickets, for consumption. Ants aren’t on the list, so it legally requires a special government authorization. 

Investigators were reportedly alerted to the violation after finding online reviews posted by diners who had visited the restaurant. The investigation revealed that the establishment had been importing dried ants from the US and Thailand since 2021. Prosecutors allege that the restaurant served approximately 49,000 ants across 12,200 dishes during that time. While the chef prepared the food, the owner is facing legal charges for violating the Food Sanitation Act.

There are other problems too

Beyond the legal status of the ants, there is a major health concern too. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety reportedly conducted an investigation and found that the ants being used by the restaurant were far from safe. According to CNN, investigators “found the ants from this restaurant contained heavy metal levels up to 55 times the maximum limit allowed for other edible insects.” 

The outlet noted that this is a massive issue for any restaurant, especially one holding two Michelin stars, which are supposed to represent excellent cooking and high standards of ingredient quality. The BBC noted that South Korean authorities look at several factors when approving insects for food, including toxicity, nutritional value, and whether they can be processed hygienically.

The outlet reported that the restaurant owner and their legal team have argued that the ants were only used as a small part of the restaurant’s 15-course menu. They claimed that the chef used the ants to ‘add a sour taste’ to the dish, having previously used the ingredient in the US and Europe without realizing it was banned in South Korea. 

The defense also reportedly pointed out that the ants were clearly identified on the menu. Diners were given the option to choose an alternative, such as fermented vinegar or edible flowers. According to the defense, only about 60% of their customers opted to try the ant-topped sherbet. The owner also noted that restaurants in countries like Australia, Denmark, and the UK frequently use ants as ingredients in their dishes.

According to CNN, the trend of eating insects is on the rise globally. Many advocates argue that insects are a reliable, sustainable source of protein. They require fewer resources than traditional livestock, making them a potential tool to help combat climate change. Recently, a man featured on TLC shared that he ate 30,000 live insects a year.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization reported in 2013 that around two billion people worldwide already eat insects regularly. Common varieties consumed globally include beetles, cicadas, termites, and wasps. In some cultures, like in Thailand, Cambodia, and Colombia, specific types of ants are even considered a delicacy. Despite that, as a TikToker recently shared, no one wants to suddenly find live worms in their In-N-Out.

Despite these global trends, the legal reality in South Korea remains firm. Prosecutors have reportedly asked the court to impose a 20 million won ($13,565) fine on the restaurant. They cited the restaurant’s profits of 120 million won over the past four years as a basis for the number. The court is expected to deliver its final verdict on September 2.