壹快评丨预制菜既不该被妖魔化，也不能走向过度西餐化

Core Viewpoint - The recent controversy surrounding pre-prepared meals (pre-cooked dishes) has highlighted the need for clearer national standards and regulations in the industry, particularly in response to consumer concerns about quality and transparency [1][4][6]. Group 1: Industry Overview - The pre-prepared meal market in China has rapidly grown to a scale of $148.9 billion, making it the largest globally, despite a market penetration rate of less than 15%, significantly lower than the 60% rates seen in the US and Japan [2][3]. - The US pre-prepared meal market is projected to reach $47.56 billion by 2024, with a market penetration of 18.3%, while Japan's market has surpassed 10 trillion yen, indicating a more mature industry compared to China's [2]. Group 2: Consumer Concerns - Consumers express dissatisfaction with pre-prepared meals due to perceived high prices and low quality, leading to a disconnect between expectations and actual dining experiences [4][5]. - The primary consumer demographic for pre-prepared meals includes urban workers, particularly those under 35 and those over 35, with differing expectations regarding meal preparation and quality [3][4]. Group 3: Regulatory Needs - There is a pressing need for the establishment of national standards for pre-prepared meals, as current regulations are not mandatory and vary significantly across regions [3][6]. - Local governments have begun to implement various standards and guidelines, but a unified national framework is necessary to ensure consistency and consumer protection [6][8]. Group 4: Quality Assurance - Quality control remains a critical issue for the pre-prepared meal industry, with consumer trust being undermined by incidents involving substandard ingredients and excessive additives [5][7]. - The Japanese pre-prepared meal market demonstrates that strict food safety standards and reasonable pricing can lead to high consumer satisfaction and market success [5]. Group 5: Industry Development Strategies - The industry should focus on categorizing restaurants and pre-prepared meal providers to enhance consumer choice and ensure fair trading practices [8]. - There is a call for reducing the reliance on deep processing and instead leveraging advanced cold chain logistics to maintain the authenticity and quality of Chinese cuisine [9].