The proprietor of a Michelin-starred restaurant in South Korea is facing potential jail time and a significant fine after allegedly serving ants in the establishment's dishes. Prosecutors claim the restaurant imported dried ants and used approximately 49,000 of them in its food offerings since 2021.
Under South Korea's Food Sanitation Act, only 10 specific insect species are approved for human consumption, and ants are not among them. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety reportedly became aware of the violation through customer social media posts and online reviews.
Prosecutors further allege that the ants served at the restaurant contained heavy metal levels up to 55 times the maximum limit permitted for other edible insects. The restaurant owner's defense has disputed the quantity of ants used, stating they were an optional garnish for sorbet, and that only 60% of diners selected them over alternative options like fermented vinegar and edible flowers.
The court is expected to deliver a verdict in September. The owner faces up to one year in jail and a fine of roughly $13,510.
Globally, the edible insect market is experiencing growth, driven by interest in sustainable nutrition and diversified protein sources. Projections estimate the market could expand from $1.73 billion in 2025 to $13.23 billion by 2034. In 2025, beetles represented the largest share of the insect-based food market, followed by mealworms, crickets, and grasshoppers as the fastest-growing segments. Some studies indicate increased consumer curiosity and receptiveness towards insect-based foods.