PRISON SENTENCE SOUGHT FOR RESTAURANT OWNER FOR SERVING ANTS AS DESSERT DECORATION

SEOUL, JULY 22 /SRNA/ - South Korean prosecutors have requested a one-year prison sentence for the owner of a Michelin-starred restaurant accused of using ants as a dessert garnish, local media reported.

Prosecutors also requested that the restaurant, which has two Michelin stars, be fined 20 million South Korean won /$13,510/.

The owner admitted that he had served ants, but claimed that they were used in a "small part" of the restaurant's 15-course menu, as a topping for sorbet, and that guests were informed they could opt for toppings without ants.

In his defense, the restaurant owner argued that only 60 percent of guests chose to try the ants, while the others were served alternatives such as fermented vinegar and edible flowers.

He added that restaurants in other countries, including Australia, Denmark and the United Kingdom, also use ants as ingredients.

Under South Korean law, ants are not among the 10 insect species approved for human consumption. The approved list includes, among others, grasshoppers and two-spotted crickets.

The case came to light after officials from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety found online reviews posted by guests, along with photographs of dishes sprinkled with ants.

Researchers estimate that around 49,000 ants, imported from the United States and Thailand, were used in several dishes over four years.

The court is expected to deliver its verdict on September 2.

Ants are eaten and are sometimes even considered a delicacy in several Asian, African and Latin American cultures.

Weaver ants and their eggs are used in Thai and Cambodian cuisine, while in Colombia, queen ants are considered as prized as caviar.