The owner of a two-Michelin-star restaurant in South Korea could be sentenced to one year in prison for using ants as decoration in some of the desserts on his tasting menu. The Prosecutor's Office has also requested a fine of 20 million won (about 12,000 euros) considering that he used an insect whose commercialization for human consumption is not authorized by the country's legislation.
The case has sparked great international interest as it affects one of the establishments distinguished by the prestigious Michelin Guide and opens the debate on the limits of avant-garde cuisine and the regulation of so-called novel foods.
South Korean law does not authorize the consumption of ants
According to current regulations in South Korea, only ten species of insects are authorized for human consumption. Among them are crickets, locusts, and grasshoppers, but ants are not part of that list.
The investigation began after officials from the Ministry of Food Safety located on the internet photographs published by customers showing sorbets decorated with ants.
Authorities estimate that the restaurant would have used about 49,000 ants imported from the United States and Thailand over a period of four years.
The defense claims they were optional
The chef admitted to having served ants, although he defended that they only formed part of one of the 15 dishes on the tasting menu and that customers were informed beforehand that they could choose an alternative.
According to his version, around 40% of diners opted to replace the ants with other ingredients, such as edible flowers or fermented vinegar.
The owner also claimed that restaurants in countries like Australia, Denmark, or the United Kingdom also use ants in some culinary preparations.
The investigation detected elevated levels of heavy metals
Another aspect that has caught the attention of the Prosecutor's Office is the result of the analyses conducted during the investigation.
According to South Korean health authorities, the ants used contained levels of heavy metals up to 55 times higher than those recorded in insects authorized for human consumption.
In South Korea, the authorization of new insects as food depends on criteria related to food safety, toxicity, nutritional value, and production and hygiene conditions.
Can a restaurant lose its Michelin stars?
The judicial procedure does not automatically affect the classification of the Michelin Guide.
The Michelin stars are awarded based exclusively on gastronomic criteria, such as product quality, technique, the chef's personality, flavor harmony, and kitchen consistency.
In South Korea, there are currently ten restaurants with two Michelin stars, all located in Seoul. The judicial authorities have not revealed which of them is being investigated.
The ruling is expected on September 2.