A two-Michelin-starred restaurant in South Korea is at the center of a controversy over serving edible ants. The owner of the restaurant is facing hefty fines and up to a year’s jail time for garnishing a sherbet dessert with ants.

South Korea’s Food Laws

The issue lies in South Korea’s nuanced food laws, which regulate which insects can be served to diners. While it is common for insects to be eaten in South Korea, only 10 insect species, including grasshoppers and silkworms, are permitted for human consumption. Serving any other insect, like ants, requires special approval from authorities.

Prosecutors have indicted the owner of the restaurant for violating the Food Sanitation Act. They have asked a court to impose a 20 million won ($13,580) fine on the restaurant, citing a profit of 120 million won ($81,470) over the past four years.

Global Trend of Edible Insects

Advocates in South Korea and elsewhere have increasingly argued that insects are a reliable source of protein. Insects can be raised and harvested with fewer resources than traditional livestock, making them an effective way to combat climate change. According to a 2013 report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, at least two billion people worldwide already eat bugs every day.

The trend of eating edible insects has gained traction in Europe and the United States in recent years. A report by Global Market Insights previously projected the US edible insect market would grow to nearly $80 million by 2024, with Europe also logging growth.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.