Michelin-starred restaurant under investigation for serving dish with ants

A Michelin two-star restaurant in South Korea is under investigation for allegedly violating the country’s Food Sanitation Act after serving a dish topped with ants.

The high-end establishment, located in Seoul’s upscale Gangnam district, reportedly offered a sorbet garnished with ants, according to local outlet The Korea Times.

While some insects such as grasshoppers, mealworms, and silkworms are approved for consumption in South Korea, ants are not currently on the country’s list of edible insects.

Violating the Food Sanitation Act can carry a hefty fine of up to 50 million won (approximately $36,000 USD).

On Thursday, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety confirmed it had referred the restaurant owner to prosecutors for the illegal import of dried ants.

“To use ants as food, businesses must obtain temporary approval under food safety regulations,” a ministry official stated. “We’ve shared the results of the investigation with the relevant local government and have requested administrative action.”

According to the Korea JoongAng Daily, the investigation was launched after photos and videos of the dish surfaced on social media, sparking public concern.

(QG - Source: The Independent - Picture : © Unsplash)