The owner of a prestigious Michelin-starred restaurant in Seoul’s upscale Gangnam district is facing potential jail time for incorporating ants into a dessert offering. South Korean authorities are investigating the restaurant after allegations surfaced that it served a sorbet dish topped with ants as part of its 15-course menu.

While the restaurant owner admitted to using ants as toppings, stating they were optional and customers could request ant-free versions, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety discovered evidence through social media posts and reviews shared by patrons.

The restaurant allegedly imported dried ants from the United States and Thailand over five years, totaling nearly 50,000 insects. Prosecutors claim that approximately 12,200 servings of desserts with ant toppings were sold, generating around £60,647.

Prosecutors are seeking a one-year prison sentence for the owner and a 20m won (£10,108) fine for the restaurant company. The defense argued that only a small portion of the menu included ant options, pointing out that ants are used in dishes in other countries like the UK and Australia.

The chef defended the use of ants, stating it was to add acidity to the desserts, a practice familiar from previous work in Europe and the US. He claimed ignorance of the illegality in South Korea. The maximum penalty for the offense under South Korean law is five years in prison and a 50m won fine, with the court expected to deliver the verdict on September 2.