罗永浩与西贝的预制菜争议引爆行业，消费者为何“谈虎色变”

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing dispute between entrepreneur Luo Yonghao and the restaurant brand Xibei highlights the debate over whether pre-prepared dishes represent progress in the industrialization of dining or a disregard for consumer rights. This controversy reveals the lack of standards and clear definitions in the pre-prepared food industry, as well as the disconnect between consumer perceptions and industry practices [3][5][9]. Group 1: Dispute Overview - Luo Yonghao criticized Xibei for serving mostly pre-prepared dishes at high prices, emphasizing the importance of consumer rights to know what they are purchasing [5][6]. - Xibei's founder, Jia Guolong, responded by stating that Luo's claims were false and announced plans to take legal action against him. Xibei also committed to transparency by publishing detailed preparation processes for their dishes and allowing customers to tour their kitchens [6][8]. Group 2: Industry Context - The pre-prepared food industry in China has been developing for over 20 years, primarily known to B-end operators before gaining consumer awareness around 2014. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, leading to significant growth in the sector [8][9]. - The industry is projected to grow, with estimates suggesting that by 2030, the restaurant sector could exceed 10 trillion yuan, with pre-prepared food penetration rates reaching 15% to 20%, resulting in a B-end market size of 500 billion yuan and a C-end market size of 700 billion yuan, with a compound annual growth rate of 13% [8][9]. Group 3: Regulatory Environment - Currently, there are no national standards for pre-prepared foods in China, leading to inconsistencies across regions. However, recent government initiatives are promoting transparency regarding the use of pre-prepared foods in restaurants to protect consumer rights [10][11]. - The 2024 joint notice from various government departments emphasizes the need for restaurants to disclose the use of pre-prepared foods, aligning with consumer rights laws that grant consumers the right to know the true nature of the products they purchase [10][11]. Group 4: Consumer Perception and Industry Practices - There is a significant gap in understanding between consumers and brands regarding what constitutes pre-prepared food. Many consumers mistakenly believe that simply using pre-cut or cleaned ingredients qualifies as pre-prepared food [11][12]. - The central kitchen model is widely adopted in the restaurant industry, allowing for standardized production and distribution, which enhances food safety and operational efficiency. This model is seen as a key advancement in the industry, addressing issues of food safety and consistency across locations [13][14].