From the Guardian · · 1m 20s
Michelin restaurant fined for serving ants in Seoul
Evett faced prosecution after topping desserts with insects not approved under South Korean food safety law.
In brief
Evett faced prosecution after topping desserts with insects not approved under South Korean food safety law. In South Korea, only 10 insect species are approved as food ingredients, and restaurants must obtain special approval to use any others. Originally reported by the Guardian.
Two Michelin stars, one illegal topping
Evett, a celebrated Seoul restaurant, was fined for serving dessert topped with ants. The insects aren't approved for consumption under local law.
Heavy fines but no jail time
The restaurant operator was fined 10 million won and CEO Ginny Kim 15 million won. Prosecutors had sought a one-year prison term.
Heavy metals found in the ants
The judge cited the offense's seriousness, noting tests found heavy metals above permitted levels. The restaurant imported dried ants from the US and Thailand.
“the offence was by no means light”
Only 10 insects are legal
South Korea approves just 10 insect species as food ingredients, including grasshoppers and mealworms. Evett didn't seek required approval for ants.
Nearly 50,000 ants served
From April 2021 to January 2025, the restaurant served three to five ants atop sikhye sorbet. Prosecutors estimated 49,096 ants were used.
Chef Lidgerwood not charged
Australian chef Joseph Lidgerwood founded Evett and is its public face, but wasn't charged. Legal duties fall on the registered business operator.
The headline
In South Korea, only 10 insect species are approved as food ingredients, and restaurants must obtain special approval to use any others.
