India, July 22 -- South Korean prosecutors have sought a one-year prison sentence for the owner of a two-Michelin-star restaurant accused of illegally serving ants as part of its tasting menu. According to local media reports, prosecutors also requested a fine of 20 million Korean won (around $13,510) for the restaurant, arguing that the use of ants violated South Korea's food safety regulations.

Why Were the Ants Considered Illegal?

The controversy centres on South Korea's food laws, which currently approve only 10 insect species for human consumption. While edible insects such as grasshoppers, locusts and two-spotted crickets are permitted, ants are not included on the government's approved list. Authorities therefore allege that serv...