添加大量防腐剂、营养物质完全消失……这些有关预制菜的流言是真的吗

Core Viewpoint - Pre-prepared meals are not synonymous with being unhealthy; they serve as a convenient supplement for fast-paced lifestyles, provided that food information and production processes are transparently disclosed to consumers [1][7]. Group 1: Regulatory and Industry Response - The State Administration for Market Regulation is actively addressing public concerns regarding pre-prepared meals by accelerating the establishment of national standards and promoting transparency in the use of these meals in the food service sector [1]. - The recent surge in interest surrounding pre-prepared meals is largely due to consumer worries about their quality and safety, particularly regarding preservatives and nutritional value [1]. Group 2: Preservation Techniques - Pre-prepared meals can be preserved for extended periods primarily through low-temperature freezing and sterile processing techniques, rather than relying on preservatives [3][4]. - Sterile processing involves eliminating microorganisms through heat or non-thermal methods and sealing the food in a sterile environment, allowing for preservation without preservatives for up to two years [3]. - Low-temperature freezing at below -18 degrees Celsius significantly slows down microbial growth and chemical reactions, enabling food preservation for 1 to 2 years without preservatives [3][4]. Group 3: Nutritional Aspects - While some nutritional loss occurs during the freezing and reheating processes, it is a misconception that pre-prepared meals lose all their nutrients; the extent of nutrient loss varies based on the type of food and preparation methods [5][6]. - Certain nutrients, such as proteins and minerals, remain stable during freezing and reheating, while B vitamins may experience some loss, but this is not necessarily greater than that of other ready-to-eat foods [6]. - Consumers should be more concerned about salt infiltration and the formation of glycation products in long-shelf-life pre-prepared meals, rather than solely focusing on vitamin loss [6]. Group 4: Consumer Guidance - When selecting pre-prepared meals, consumers should pay attention to the ingredient list and nutritional information, prioritizing products with clear ingredient types and lower sodium and fat content [8]. - Common pre-prepared meals, particularly those based on meat and fish, may contain high levels of salt and fat due to flavor enhancement, which can lead to health issues if consumed excessively over time [8].