全网都在吵预制菜，吵的到底是什么？

Core Viewpoint - The recent discussions surrounding "pre-prepared dishes" have been ignited by two major "super traffic engines," leading to widespread debate across various platforms. The core issue lies in the ambiguous definition of "pre-prepared dishes," which has resulted in differing interpretations among stakeholders, including consumers, media, and industry professionals [1][3][9]. Definition and Understanding of "Pre-prepared Dishes" - The term "pre-prepared dishes" has been used for a long time but remains poorly defined, even in official documents. This lack of clarity contributes to the ongoing debates, as different parties have varying understandings of what constitutes a "pre-prepared dish" [7][9]. - The Chinese Culinary Association has established a widely accepted standard (T/CCA 024-2022) categorizing "pre-prepared dishes" into "pre-prepared raw vegetables," "ready-to-cook pre-prepared dishes," and "ready-to-eat/heat pre-prepared dishes." This classification has led to the perception of a vast market potential, often referred to as a "trillion-dollar market" [10][11]. Regulatory Developments - In 2024, the National Market Supervision Administration and other ministries issued a notice to strengthen food safety regulations for pre-prepared dishes, emphasizing their "industrial pre-processing" and "minimal or no reheating" attributes. This notice also clarified that certain food items, such as frozen staples and salads, do not fall under the category of "pre-prepared dishes" [11][13]. Key Concerns in the Debate - A common consumer sentiment is the demand for mandatory labeling of pre-prepared dishes to ensure transparency and protect consumer rights. However, the current regulations do not mandate such labeling, and the lack of clear definitions complicates the implementation of this request [15][16]. - Consumers express dissatisfaction when pre-prepared dishes are sold at prices comparable to freshly made dishes, leading to feelings of deception. This issue is rooted in the ambiguity surrounding the definitions of "pre-prepared" and "freshly made" [17][18]. - The debate also includes concerns about restaurants claiming pre-prepared dishes as freshly made, which raises questions about the standards used to determine the authenticity of such claims [20]. Industry Implications - The emergence of the term "pre-prepared dishes" has created a popular investment avenue, attracting attention to the potential market. However, negative experiences with low-quality pre-prepared products have tarnished the reputation of the entire category, leading to a backlash against the concept [21]. - The industry is encouraged to establish clearer classification standards to enhance consumer understanding and trust. Ultimately, consumers prioritize the taste, safety, and price of dishes, regardless of whether they are prepared in-house or through centralized kitchens [24][26].