Michelin-starred Seoul restaurant fined for using ants as garnish

What the report says

A Seoul restaurant that has earned two Michelin stars has been fined after South Korean authorities found it had used ants as a garnish on desserts, according to BBC World News. The case involves Evett, an acclaimed restaurant in the capital, and its owner, who was ordered to pay 15 million won, while the company running the restaurant received a 10 million won fine for violating the Food Sanitation Act.

BBC reports that prosecutors had sought a prison term and a larger fine, but the court took into account that the owner admitted the charge and had no prior criminal record. The judge also reportedly said the case was serious because testing found heavy metals above permitted levels in the ants. The owner had said they did not know ants were prohibited in food in South Korea, where only certain insect species are approved for human consumption.

The ministry said the ants were used over nearly four years, with three to five placed on selected dishes to create a sour flavor. The ants were reportedly sourced mainly from the United States, with some from Thailand. The issue came to light after officials found online reviews and photos showing the garnish. The case highlights how local food rules can differ from culinary practices in other countries, where insects are sometimes eaten as delicacies.