Public prosecutors in South Korea have demanded a one-year prison sentence for the owner of a Michelin-starred restaurant, accusing him of using ants to decorate dessert dishes, according to local media reports as carried by the BBC.

Ants are not among the ten approved insects for human consumption under the country's current laws, which include locusts, grasshoppers, and two-spotted crickets, among other insects.

The prosecution also called on Monday for a fine of 20 million South Korean won (equivalent to 13,510 US dollars, or 10,100 pounds sterling) against the restaurant, which holds two Michelin stars.

The restaurant owner admitted to serving ants but defended himself by saying they were used only in a "small part" of a 15-course menu, as a topping on sorbet dishes, insisting that diners were informed they could choose other toppings that did not contain ants.

The details of the case came to light after officials from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety spotted online reviews posted by diners, accompanied by photos of dishes decorated with ants.

Investigations by the relevant authorities estimate that around 49,000 ants, imported from the United States and Thailand, were used in preparing various dishes over four years.

Health authorities also reported that the restaurant used ants containing "levels of heavy metals exceeding 55 times those found in insects fit for normal consumption," according to a report in the Chosun Daily.

South Korean authorities rely on several criteria to assess whether insects can be approved as food, including food safety risks, toxicity levels, nutritional value, and the feasibility of breeding and processing them under hygienic conditions.

In his defense, the restaurant owner said that only 60 percent of customers chose to try the ant dishes, while the remaining group was offered alternatives such as fermented vinegar and edible flowers.

He added that restaurants in other countries, such as Australia, Denmark, and the United Kingdom, also use ants as ingredients in their dishes.

Court documents did not reveal the name of the restaurant or the identity of its owner. It is noted that only 10 restaurants in South Korea, all located in the capital Seoul, hold two Michelin stars.

The Michelin Guide awards up to three stars to restaurants based on the quality of ingredients, mastery of flavor, cooking techniques, the chef's personal touch, and consistency in performance.

Two Michelin stars are awarded to restaurants that offer "excellent cooking" and are "worth a detour," according to the guide's criteria.

The court is scheduled to deliver its verdict in the restaurant's case on September 2.

It is worth noting that ants are eaten, and are even considered a luxury and rare delicacy in some cultures across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. For example, weaver ants and their eggs are used in Thai and Cambodian cuisines, while queen ants in Colombia hold a status comparable to caviar.