Core Viewpoint - The case highlights the balance between consumer rights and the responsibilities of small businesses in the food service industry, emphasizing the need for reasonable compensation based on actual damages rather than excessive claims [6][7]. Group 1: Incident Overview - A small hot pot restaurant in Beijing faced a lawsuit after customers found a fly on their food, leading to demands for a tenfold compensation of 4,000 yuan for a meal costing over 400 yuan [2]. - The restaurant owner provided evidence of regular pest control and food safety compliance, arguing that the presence of a single fly was an isolated incident [3][5]. Group 2: Legal Proceedings - The court determined that the restaurant had fulfilled its operational obligations and that the evidence did not support claims of food safety violations [6]. - The judge emphasized the importance of balancing consumer rights with the realities of small business operations, stating that excessive claims could threaten the survival of such establishments [7]. Group 3: Resolution - The court ruled that the restaurant only needed to refund the cost of the affected food item, amounting to 20 yuan, as the plaintiffs did not demonstrate actual damages [6]. - Following the ruling, the plaintiffs acknowledged their misunderstanding of the legal framework and accepted the refund, while the restaurant owner committed to improving customer experience [7].