A Michelin-starred Seoul restaurant has been fined for serving a dessert topped with ants, an insect not approved for consumption under South Korean food safety law. The operator of Evett, a two-Michelin-star restaurant in Gangnam, was fined 10m won (£5,400) and its chief executive 15m won, according to Newsis.
The court found the offence serious, citing the length of time the dishes were sold, their use in promotion, and tests showing heavy metals above permitted levels in the ants. Prosecutors had sought a one-year prison term and a 20m won fine for the company.
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Details of the Fine and Court Ruling
Judge Lee Se-chang at Seoul’s western district court said the offence was “by no means light.” However, he considered mitigating factors: the defendants admitted the offence, the CEO had no previous criminal record under the food safety law, the number of ants served was lower than prosecutors calculated, and the restaurant no longer uses ants.
The judge also noted that ants are used as an ingredient in the US and Europe, and the restaurant appeared not to have realised they were not permitted in South Korea. Both sides have seven days to appeal.
Why Ants Are Not Approved in South Korea
South Korea’s food safety laws are strict about what can be used in food. Insects like ants are not on the approved list of edible ingredients. This is not the first time a restaurant has run afoul of these regulations; in recent years, other establishments have faced penalties for using unapproved ingredients.
The case highlights the importance for restaurants to verify local food safety regulations, especially when using exotic ingredients that may be legal elsewhere.
Comparison of Insect Consumption Regulations
| Country/Region | Status of Ants as Food | Regulatory Body |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | Not approved | Ministry of Food and Drug Safety |
| United States | Approved (generally recognized as safe) | FDA |
| European Union | Approved (novel food regulation) | EFSA |
Key Takeaways
- Evett, a two-Michelin-star restaurant in Seoul, was fined for serving ants in a dessert.
- The fines totaled 25m won (£13,500) for the operator and CEO.
- Ants are not approved for consumption in South Korea due to food safety laws.
- The court considered mitigating factors but emphasized the seriousness of the offence.
- Restaurants must comply with local food safety regulations when using exotic ingredients.
FAQ
Why was the Michelin-starred restaurant fined?
The restaurant was fined for serving a dessert topped with ants, which are not approved for consumption under South Korean food safety law.
How much was the fine?
The operator was fined 10m won (£5,400) and the chief executive 15m won (£8,100), totaling 25m won.
Are ants safe to eat?
In some countries like the US and EU, ants are approved as food. However, in South Korea, they are not approved and may contain heavy metals above permitted levels.
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