The proprietor of a Michelin-starred restaurant in Seoul, South Korea, is encountering legal issues for topping sorbets with ants. This action could lead to a one-year jail sentence and a fine of approximately $13,510. While the restaurant owner admitted to serving ants, these insects are not part of the ten approved species for human consumption under South Korea’s Food Sanitation Act, as reported by the BBC.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety became aware of the violation due to social media posts and online reviews from customers. In South Korea, insects like grasshoppers, mealworms, silkworm pupae, locusts, and two-spotted crickets are legal for consumption based on health and nutrition standards.
The restaurant owner is facing charges for importing dried ants and claims of using about 49,000 ants in dishes since 2021.
The prosecutors have noted that the ants contained heavy metal levels up to 55 times above the limits for other edible insects. Defense attorneys have contested the quantity, stating that ants were offered as a garnish option for sorbet, chosen by only 60% of diners. Other options included fermented vinegar and edible flowers, according to The Chosun Daily.
A court verdict is anticipated in September. The edible insect market is seeing global growth. According to previous Fox News Digital reports, the market is projected to rise from $1.73 billion in 2025 to $13.23 billion by 2034. This growth is driven by increasing interest in sustainable nutrition and diverse protein sources, as reported by Fortune Business Insights.
Beetles led the insect-based food market share in 2025, while crickets and grasshoppers were noted as fast-growing segments. A study from the University of Beira Interior in Portugal revealed people exposed to insect-based foods showed more curiosity and receptiveness than previously anticipated. However, in South Korea, ants are not approved for human consumption, despite several other insects being permissible.
Consumers in the U.S. have access to various insect-based products, including Chirps Chips made from cricket flour and other cricket protein products.
Teresa Mull contributes as a freelance writer to the Lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.
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