Core Viewpoint - The debate over pre-prepared dishes (pre-cooked meals) in the restaurant industry highlights differing interpretations among restaurant owners and consumers regarding what constitutes pre-prepared food [2][3][4]. Group 1: Definitions and Standards - According to the 2024 definition by six ministries, pre-prepared dishes are made from one or more food products, using or not using seasonings, without preservatives, and require heating or cooking before consumption [3]. - Chain restaurants like Xibei, if using semi-finished products from a central kitchen or frozen semi-finished products, do not fall under the national definition of pre-prepared dishes unless they are fully cooked beforehand [3]. Group 2: Perspectives from Industry Leaders - Luo Yonghao claims that Xibei's assertion of not using pre-prepared dishes is a complete lie, emphasizing that consumer understanding of freshly made food is clear [4]. - Liu Jingjing, founder of Jiahe Yipin, argues that establishing a central kitchen with quality control ensures food safety, while a Beijing restaurant executive believes that central kitchens are necessary for standardization and hygiene [5]. Group 3: Diverging Opinions on Cooking Methods - Some restaurant owners, like Li Hong of Xiangcunji, prefer fresh cooking over standardization, believing it retains the home-cooked flavor that consumers desire [5]. - The debate continues with varying opinions on the necessity of pre-prepared ingredients versus freshly made dishes, with some suggesting that the essence of food quality lies in the cooking method [6]. Group 4: Consumer Expectations - Consumers prioritize food safety, health, taste, and value for money, indicating that clarity in standards and transparency in information could resolve the ongoing debate [6].
餐饮老板眼中的预制菜和现做