South Korean Michelin-Starred Restaurant Faces Legal Trouble for Serving Ants
The owner of a Michelin-starred restaurant in South Korea is dealing with serious legal repercussions. Prosecutors allege that the establishment served ants on their sorbets, violating South Korea’s Food Sanitation Act. If convicted, the owner could face up to a year in jail and a fine of roughly $13,510. Court documents do not reveal the proprietor’s identity.
Under South Korean law, only 10 insect species are approved for human consumption. These include grasshoppers, mealworms, silkworm pupae, locusts, and two-spotted crickets. Ants have not made the list, according to the BBC. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety learned of the incident through social media and online reviews.
Insects in the Food Industry
Prosecutors allege that ant samples from the restaurant contained heavy metal levels far exceeding legal limits. They claim the restaurant imported dried ants and used approximately 49,000 since 2021. However, defense attorneys contest this figure, stating that ants were merely an optional garnish for sorbet. About 60% of patrons chose ants over other options like fermented vinegar and edible flowers, as reported by The Chosun Daily. The court decision is anticipated in September.
The global edible insect market is expanding at a rapid rate. According to a report by Fox News Digital, the market is expected to grow from $1.73 billion in 2025 to $13.23 billion by 2034. Factors driving this include interest in sustainable nutrition and diverse protein sources, as noted by Fortune Business Insights.
Research from Persistence Market Research shows that beetles accounted for 33% of the insect-based food market share in 2025. Mealworms and crickets also showed significant growth. A Portuguese study indicates that people are more open to insect-based foods than initially thought.
In the U.S., various insect-based products are already available. These include tortilla-style chips made with cricket flour, cricket protein powders, and snack bars. Jiminy’s grain-free cookies for dogs are another example, made with crickets and grubs.