The owner of a Michelin-starred restaurant in Seoul is facing criminal charges after allegedly serving ants on sorbets, despite the insects not being approved for human consumption in South Korea. The case highlights the legal and food-safety limits on using unconventional ingredients in high-end dining.

Court documents reportedly state that the proprietor admitted serving the ants, although their identity was not disclosed. They could face up to one year in prison and a fine of about $13,510 (£10,000), with the allegation involving nearly 50,000 ants served to diners.