千亿产业狂奔背后的“身份焦虑” 预制菜如何破局？

Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding Xibei Catering's use of pre-prepared dishes marketed as "freshly cooked" highlights the challenges faced by China's pre-prepared food industry, including ambiguous definitions, inadequate standards, and a gap in consumer understanding [1][6]. Industry Standards and Regulations - China's food safety standard system has evolved over 60 years, transitioning from "food hygiene" to "food safety" with the implementation of the Food Safety Law in 2009, leading to a comprehensive integration of standards [2]. - As of 2025, there are 2,242 effective national food standards in China, covering food safety, quality, testing methods, labeling, and nutritional additives, forming a unified standard system centered on food safety [2]. - Existing standards for pre-prepared dishes are categorized and dispersed, making it challenging to create a new, unified standard for the category [3][4]. - Current national and industry standards impose strict regulations on food additives, microorganisms, and testing methods, ensuring compliance across various food types, including traditional and new pre-prepared dishes [4]. Market Dynamics and Growth - The pre-prepared food industry is experiencing rapid growth, with a market size projected to reach 485 billion yuan by 2024, driven by government encouragement and the industry's potential to reduce food waste and improve raw material utilization [6][7]. Consumer Perception and Education - There is a significant gap between public expectations and the reality of pre-prepared foods, often stemming from a lack of scientific understanding regarding food preservation techniques and safety standards [6][8]. - The acceptance of pre-prepared foods in developed countries is higher due to better consumer awareness of food standards, suggesting that improved communication and education could enhance consumer trust in pre-prepared dishes in China [7][8]. Recommendations for Improvement - To address the challenges in the pre-prepared food sector, collaboration among government, enterprises, and consumers is essential, focusing on enhancing the standard system without unnecessary duplication [7]. - Companies should prioritize self-regulation, improve product quality, and effectively communicate the safety and nutritional benefits of pre-prepared foods to consumers [7][8].