21社论丨以规范与透明推动预制菜产业健康发展

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing controversy surrounding "pre-prepared meals" reflects increasing consumer awareness regarding food safety, right to information, and transparency in the restaurant industry, highlighting challenges in the industrialization and standardization processes within China's dining sector [1]. Group 1: Industry Trends - The debate over whether restaurants use pre-prepared meals has sparked significant public discourse, promoting rational discussions about the industrialization of dining and providing an opportunity for the industry to move towards greater regulation and transparency [1]. - In mature markets like Japan and the U.S., pre-prepared meals have become mainstream, with Japan's market penetration reaching 70%, indicating a shift towards convenience in dining solutions driven by urbanization and changing consumer needs [2]. - China's urbanization and high-density population in commercial areas are pushing businesses to seek standardized and scalable dining solutions, making pre-prepared meals an inevitable trend in the industry [2]. Group 2: Consumer Concerns - Current consumer doubts about pre-prepared meals focus on the lack of a comprehensive regulatory framework for raw material sourcing, processing, cold chain logistics, and labeling, which raises questions about safety and nutritional standards [2]. - Some restaurants blur the lines between "pre-prepared" and "freshly made" meals, failing to ensure consumer awareness and trust, which is essential for the industry's credibility [3]. - The industry must prioritize transparency and consumer rights to foster trust, as consumers are not inherently opposed to pre-prepared meals but seek healthy options and clear information [3].