反对预制菜，就是反对工业文明？

Core Viewpoint - The article argues that prepared dishes (pre-made meals) are beneficial for various stakeholders in the food industry, including consumers, farmers, and restaurants, despite the negative perceptions surrounding them [4][6]. Group 1: Benefits of Prepared Dishes - Prepared dishes create a stable demand for raw materials, providing farmers with reliable sales expectations and mitigating market volatility risks associated with traditional agriculture [7]. - By processing perishable raw agricultural products into semi-finished goods, prepared dish companies significantly reduce losses during transportation and storage, thereby increasing the overall value of agriculture [8]. - The standardization of kitchen processes in restaurants allows for easier employee training and reduces reliance on skilled chefs, facilitating restaurant expansion and increasing overall employment in the food service industry [9]. Group 2: Consumer Perspective - Prepared dishes offer convenience for busy urban consumers, allowing them to enjoy a decent meal in a short amount of time, which is particularly valuable for young professionals [9]. - The emotional and moral value placed on home-cooked meals often overlooks the time and effort costs associated with cooking, which can make prepared dishes a more practical option [10]. Group 3: Trust Issues and Cultural Context - The distrust towards prepared dishes stems from a lack of transparency in their production processes, which creates a psychological barrier for consumers who cannot see the ingredients or understand the manufacturing methods [12][13]. - The historical context of food safety issues in China has led to a general skepticism towards industrialized food products, making prepared dishes a target for public distrust [15]. - The rapid modernization in China has created a cultural shock as traditional cooking practices clash with the efficiency-driven prepared food industry, leading to resistance from consumers [17]. Group 4: Market Dynamics - The availability of fresh produce at low costs in urban markets presents a challenge for prepared dishes, as consumers may question the value of spending more on pre-made meals that seem inferior in sensory and psychological aspects [18]. - The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing hidden labor costs in the pricing of prepared dishes, which are often overlooked in direct comparisons with fresh ingredients [18]. Group 5: Call for Rational Discourse - The article advocates for a more nuanced understanding of prepared dishes, encouraging consumers to ask critical questions about transparency, nutritional standards, and pricing rather than resorting to blanket distrust of industrialized food [21][22].