预制菜国标加快制定中

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the urgent need for transparency in the pre-prepared food industry in China, highlighting the lack of internal motivation among companies and the necessity for mandatory national standards to protect consumer rights and choices [3][4][5]. Group 1: Current Situation and Standards - The State Council's Food Safety Office is accelerating the development of national standards for pre-prepared foods due to rising public concern, particularly following a public dispute involving a well-known figure and a restaurant chain [3][4]. - Currently, there are no national standards for pre-prepared foods in China, although various industry and local standards exist, which lack the enforcement power of national regulations [3][4][8]. - The definition of pre-prepared foods has been clarified by the National Market Supervision Administration, but there are no mandatory labeling requirements for restaurants regarding their use of such foods [4][8]. Group 2: Industry Dynamics and Consumer Perception - The restaurant industry in China is experiencing significant growth in chain operations, with the chain rate increasing from 12.8% in 2018 to 23% in 2024, driven by advancements in supply chain technologies [5]. - Consumers are increasingly confused about pre-prepared foods, often associating higher prices with freshly made dishes, leading to skepticism about the value of pre-prepared options [5][6]. - The blurred lines between "freshly made" and "pre-prepared" foods have created a need for clear national standards to restore consumer trust and address industry chaos [4][5]. Group 3: Challenges and Recommendations - There is a lack of proactive transparency among pre-prepared food companies, with few voluntarily disclosing their use of such products, as it is seen as a burden without clear consumer benefits [4][8]. - The complexity of the supply chain for pre-prepared foods, from sourcing to consumption, lacks unified management, complicating the establishment of standards [8]. - Experts suggest that third-party oversight and legislative measures are necessary to improve transparency and safety in the pre-prepared food sector, with a national standard expected to clarify the identity and usage of pre-prepared foods [8].