Core Viewpoint - The emergence of "ghost kitchens" in the food delivery industry, where businesses use AI-generated images to mislead consumers about their actual offerings, raises significant concerns regarding food safety and consumer trust [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Concerns - Many food delivery outlets are utilizing AI-designed storefronts to create a false sense of popularity, leading to consumer complaints about the disparity between advertised and actual conditions [1]. - The practice of using misleading images and claims is seen as a violation of consumer rights and is indicative of a broader issue of dishonesty within the industry [1][2]. - The existence of a black-gray industrial chain behind these "ghost kitchens" suggests systemic issues, including the ability to operate without necessary licenses and permits [1]. Group 2: Regulatory and Platform Response - Major food delivery platforms like Ele.me, Meituan, and JD.com have established special teams to address the issue of ghost kitchens, indicating a proactive approach to improving food safety management [2]. - There is a call for stricter oversight and enforcement from regulatory bodies, including collaboration with delivery platforms to monitor and eliminate illegal merchants [2]. - The industry is urged to adopt new technologies to combat fraudulent practices, ensuring that food safety and authenticity are prioritized [2].

Core Viewpoint - JD.com plans to open 10,000 self-operated takeaway stores named "Qixian Xiaochu," which has sparked controversy regarding its impact on small businesses and the role of platforms in the market [1][6]. Group 1: Impact on Small Businesses - The move by JD.com is seen as a threat to millions of small family-run businesses, with critics arguing that it represents monopolistic behavior rather than innovation [1][6]. - The introduction of "ghost takeaways" as a target for JD.com raises questions about the fairness of its competition, as many legitimate small businesses may be unfairly categorized as such [2][3]. - The new "immediate pickup restaurant" label allows previously excluded small businesses to re-enter the market, but this change appears to be tailored to benefit JD.com's new business model [5][6]. Group 2: Competition and Fairness - JD.com's entry into the self-operated takeaway market is likely to create direct competition with small restaurants that rely on the platform for traffic, raising concerns about unfair competition [6][8]. - Critics argue that JD.com controlling both the traffic and participating in the market could lead to data misuse and unfair advantages over smaller competitors [6][8]. - The lack of clear regulatory standards for platform self-operation versus neutral governance remains a significant concern for the industry [6][8]. Group 3: Financial Viability and Market Strategy - The takeaway industry is characterized by high costs and low profit margins, with delivery costs accounting for 60%-70% of expenses, making profitability challenging even for established players like JD.com [7][8]. - JD.com's first-quarter 2025 financial report indicated a significant operating loss in its new business segment, including takeaway services, highlighting the financial risks involved [7][8]. - The strategy of self-operated takeaways may be more about creating a narrative in a post-subsidy environment rather than addressing food safety issues, as the industry faces ongoing challenges from price wars and market saturation [8][9].

Core Insights - The article highlights the pervasive issue of "ghost takeout" in the food delivery industry, revealing the exploitation of merchants by platforms and the resulting compromise on food safety and quality [1][2][3] Group 1: Ghost Takeout Phenomenon - "Ghost takeout" refers to restaurants that operate under false pretenses, sharing addresses and licenses, leading to poor hygiene and untraceable food sources [2][3] - A specific case in Beijing showed over 40 takeout shops sharing the same address, misleading consumers with seemingly legitimate information while operating in unsanitary conditions [2] - The existence of these ghost restaurants poses significant health risks to consumers and disrupts the market for legitimate businesses, creating an environment where low-quality operators thrive [3] Group 2: Platform Responsibilities - Food delivery platforms are criticized for lax entry audits and oversight, allowing unqualified merchants to operate, which contributes to the rise of ghost takeout [4][5] - Regulations established in 2017 require platforms to verify the legitimacy of food service providers, but many platforms fail to enforce these rules effectively [4] - Platforms often prioritize rapid growth and market share over consumer safety, leading to a proliferation of ghost restaurants [5] Group 3: Impact on Food Quality - The prevalence of ghost takeout has led to a decline in overall food quality, with many operators using low-quality or expired ingredients to cut costs [6][7] - Poor hygiene practices in ghost kitchens, such as inadequate sanitation and untrained staff, further compromise food safety [6] - The use of substandard packaging materials by ghost restaurants can also pose health risks, as they may release harmful substances when heated [7] Group 4: Market Dynamics and Consumer Trust - The rise of ghost takeout undermines consumer trust in the food delivery industry, as repeated food safety issues can lead to a decline in market size and growth potential [6][7] - The article suggests that the ongoing price wars in the instant retail sector exacerbate these issues, as businesses are forced to cut corners to remain competitive [9][10] Group 5: Recommendations for Improvement - A multi-faceted approach is necessary to restore order in the food delivery and instant retail sectors, including stricter government regulations and platform accountability [11][12] - Platforms should enhance their merchant verification processes and utilize technology for real-time monitoring of food safety practices [12][13] - Consumers are encouraged to be vigilant about the quality and safety of the food they order, which can drive businesses to improve their standards [14]