South Korean prosecutors have sought a one-year jail term and a 20 million won (£10,100) fine against the owner of a two-Michelin-starred restaurant for serving ants as a dessert garnish, in breach of national food safety rules. Ants are not among the ten insect species approved for human consumption in South Korea, which include grasshoppers, locusts and crickets, and the case has drawn attention to how strictly the country regulates novel foods even in high-end dining.

Investigators believe around 49,000 ants, imported from the US and Thailand, were used across various dishes, including ant-topped sorbet, over four years, after officials spotted diner reviews online showing the garnish. Authorities also found the ants used contained up to 55 times more heavy metals than typical edible insects. The restaurant owner has admitted serving ants but argued they featured in only a small part of the 15-course menu, that diners could choose alternatives, and that around 60% opted to try them; a verdict is expected on 2 September.