The case is being considered in South Korea, where legislation strictly regulates the use of insects as food products. According to the investigation, the restaurant used imported ants from the United States and Thailand for the decoration of some dishes on its tasting menu for four years. In total, the prosecution estimates that about 49,000 ants were used. In addition to prison time, the prosecution is seeking a fine of 20 million South Korean won (about 11,800 euros) for the restaurant, which has been awarded two Michelin stars. The restaurant owner does not deny using ants but emphasizes that they were present only in a small part of the 15-dish tasting menu. According to him, all guests were warned in advance about this and offered an alternative dessert without insects. The investigation began after the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety took notice of photographs of dishes posted by visitors online. The investigation also claims that the ants used in the restaurant contained elevated levels of heavy metals. According to The Chosun Daily newspaper, this level could exceed that typical for permitted edible insects by dozens of times. The defense, in turn, notes that the use of ants in haute cuisine is not unique. According to the restaurant owner, similar ingredients are used in establishments in Australia, Denmark, and the United Kingdom. The name of the restaurant and the owner's name are not disclosed in the court documents. The sentencing is scheduled for September 2. In South Korea, only ten species of insects are officially permitted for human consumption, and ants are not included in this list. This fact has become the basis for criminal prosecution.