Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the balance between flavor and health in the context of food additives used in the rapidly growing prepared food market in China, which is projected to exceed 1 trillion yuan by 2026 [4]. Group 1: Market Overview - The prepared food market in China reached 516.5 billion yuan in 2023 and is expected to surpass 1 trillion yuan by 2026, indicating rapid growth [4]. - Globally, the penetration rate of prepared foods exceeds 60% in Japan, with approximately 70% of restaurants in France using prepared ingredients [19][20]. - The European prepared food market is projected to approach 90 billion USD by 2024, while the U.S. market is estimated at 47.56 billion USD, with over 60% of Americans preferring dinner preparation times of under 30 minutes [21][22]. Group 2: Role of Food Additives - Food additives have a long history in Chinese cuisine, dating back to the Han Dynasty, and are essential for food preservation and flavor enhancement [5][26]. - The use of food additives allows for safer, diverse, and convenient food options in modern fast-paced lifestyles, acting as crucial support for food industrialization [16][17]. - In China, over 2,300 food additives are approved for use, with regulations specifying their applications and limits [34]. Group 3: Consumer Concerns and Regulatory Landscape - Despite their benefits, food additives often raise health concerns among consumers, with many associating them with negative health impacts [36]. - Recent food safety incidents have highlighted issues with illegal additives rather than the approved ones, emphasizing the need for better regulation and consumer education [40][41]. - In March 2023, Chinese authorities issued guidelines prohibiting preservatives in prepared foods, reflecting a consensus that home-cooked meals should not contain such additives [61][62]. Group 4: Future Directions - To ensure the future success of prepared foods, the industry must focus on stricter regulations, advanced technology, and greater transparency [80]. - Learning from international practices, such as Japan's "positive list" system for food additives, could enhance safety and consumer trust [48]. - Technological advancements, such as high-temperature cooking and liquid nitrogen freezing, are being utilized to ensure food safety without the need for preservatives [67][73].

根据2024年市场监管总局等六部门联合发布的《关于加强预制菜食品安全监管 促进产业高质量发展的通知》，预制菜是以一种或多种食用 农产品及其制品为原料，使用或不使用调味料等辅料，不添加防腐剂，经工业化预加工（如搅拌、腌制、滚揉、成型、炒、炸、烤、煮、蒸等） 制成，配以或不配以调味料包，符合产品标签标明的贮存、运输及销售条件，加热或熟制后方可食用的预包装菜肴。 最近，预制菜的话题备受消费者关注。 经营者与消费者对预制菜的认知差异根源是什么？ 商家是否应主动告知预制菜使用情况？ 预制菜产业未来方向是什么？如何解决监管短板问题？ 统筹：汪奇文 编导：李海伟 王竹艾 记者：程思琪 演播室：白阳 刘倩朋 施悦炜 武坤辉 朱文喆 陈昱含 许文滔 各方讨论背后，是消费者对于知情权的关切以及对提高餐饮质量的诉求。 专家认为，技术层面，符合规范的预制菜已实现安全可控，但消费者对高油盐、营养流失的担忧仍需通过工艺创新解决。 专家表示，当前行业共识聚焦三大方向：强制明示预制菜使用范围以保障知情权，通过营养优化技术实现"美味健康兼得"，以及完善法规体系规 范市场行为。 联合拍摄：新华社上海分社 上海市徐汇区融媒体中心 新华社音视频部制 ...

Core Viewpoint - The pre-prepared food industry is facing significant challenges due to public scrutiny and declining performance among leading companies, despite the market's potential for growth and regulatory improvements [1][6][8]. Group 1: Market Performance - A-share pre-prepared food companies have experienced volatility, with some stocks rising and others falling in response to recent events [1]. - Major players like Weizhi Xiang and Delisi reported mixed financial results, with Weizhi Xiang's revenue increasing by 4.70% to 343 million yuan, but net profit declining by 24.46% [3]. - Anjixin's revenue grew by 0.80% to 7.604 billion yuan, but it faced a 15.79% drop in net profit, marking its first mid-year profit decline since listing [3]. - Guolian Aquatic Products reported a significant loss of 540 million yuan, with total revenue decreasing by 18.36% to 1.651 billion yuan [3]. Group 2: Industry Challenges - The pre-prepared food sector is under pressure from weak B-end consumption and intense market competition, leading to a decline in overall gross margins from 20.07% in 2018 to 13.79% in 2024 [4]. - Companies like Xianyin Food have struggled to turn a profit, reporting a 12.08% revenue decline and a net loss of 54.17 million yuan [4]. - The industry faces issues such as inconsistent standards and low consumer acceptance, highlighted by recent controversies and the formation of a "anti-prepared food alliance" among restaurants [4][5]. Group 3: Regulatory Developments - The government is increasingly focused on addressing the challenges faced by the pre-prepared food industry, with new regulations and standards being introduced [6][7]. - Guangdong province has implemented eight local standards for pre-prepared foods, and a national food safety standard is set to be released soon [7]. - Experts believe that recent controversies may ultimately benefit the industry's development by prompting necessary changes and improvements [7]. Group 4: Future Outlook - Despite current controversies, the direction for the pre-prepared food industry remains positive, with significant growth potential anticipated [8]. - The market size is projected to reach 674.9 billion yuan by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 10% [7].

Core Viewpoint - The pre-prepared food industry is gaining attention and requires objective analysis to address health and safety concerns while promoting its development [1] Group 1: Industry Trends - The global trend towards pre-prepared food is evident, driven by changing consumer demands for efficiency, taste consistency, and hygiene standards [2] - The emergence of pre-prepared meals aligns with advancements in preservation and transportation technologies, making high-quality options feasible [2] - The Chinese government has recognized the importance of developing the pre-prepared food industry, as highlighted in the 2023 Central Document No. 1 [2] Group 2: Addressing Concerns - Public concerns about the safety and healthiness of pre-prepared meals need to be addressed through improved regulations and transparency [3] - The draft of the National Food Safety Standards for Pre-prepared Foods has passed expert review and will soon seek public input, indicating progress in regulatory frameworks [3] - Innovations in technology and management during the production, preservation, and transportation processes are essential for enhancing the quality of pre-prepared meals [3] Group 3: Market Opportunities - The pre-prepared food sector should not be viewed as a replacement for freshly cooked meals but rather as a complementary option that meets diverse consumer needs for convenience and quality [4] - The industry has the potential to evolve by addressing controversies through rational discussions and consensus-building, which can lead to further development opportunities [4]

Core Viewpoint - The recent discussions surrounding pre-prepared meals (pre-cooked dishes) have gained significant attention, leading to a deeper consumer understanding and promoting food safety measures in the industry [1] Group 1: Definition and Regulation of Pre-prepared Meals - The definition of pre-prepared meals has been clarified by the State Administration for Market Regulation and other departments, stating that they cannot contain preservatives and do not include staple foods or ready-to-eat salads [1][2] - The notification has helped delineate the boundaries between pre-prepared meals and other food categories, preventing market confusion and misuse by businesses [1] Group 2: Consumer Awareness and Transparency - Consumers express a desire for transparency regarding the use of pre-prepared meals in restaurants, emphasizing the need for clear labeling to protect their right to know [3] - Various regions are actively exploring ways to promote the clear labeling of pre-prepared meals, with regulations set to take effect in 2025 [3][4] Group 3: Safety Concerns and Additives - There are consumer concerns regarding the use of preservatives and additives in pre-prepared meals, although regulations prohibit the use of preservatives in these products [5][7] - The safety of pre-prepared meals is comparable to freshly cooked dishes, as both can pose risks depending on food handling and preparation practices [7] Group 4: Future Development of the Industry - The pre-prepared meal industry has been recognized in national policy documents, indicating a push for its development and integration into the food market [8] - The industry is encouraged to adopt technological innovations in preservation and packaging to enhance product quality [8][9] - Strengthening industry regulations and standards is essential for the healthy development of the pre-prepared meal sector, with ongoing efforts to establish clearer guidelines and oversight [10]

在各方讨论中，消费者态度尤为鲜明：不少人明确反对专门去餐厅吃现炒菜时，被"投喂"预制菜。而在不满餐厅"隐性使用"预 制菜的背后，消费者也期待餐饮行业能涌现"于东来"式人物，既通晓市场运营，又看重消费者权益，能以透明负责的姿态平衡 产业效率与消费体验。 21世纪经济报道记者 刘婧汐 南方财经全媒体记者 张梦琦 贾国龙与罗永浩的"对轰" 尚未落幕，与之相关的预制菜话题也依旧热度不减。 现阶段，各界人士在对预制菜的认知上还存在着诸多分歧。部分餐饮、食品行业从业者担忧，西贝事件会加剧社会对预制菜 的"污名化"。例如在河南某地，预制菜园区已经"连夜改名"为"绿色食品创新示范产业园区"，从业者对舆论风向的敏感与焦虑可 见一斑。 在采访过程中，有从业者向记者表示，符合生产标准的预制菜不是洪水猛兽，而是能够同时满足效率与安全的现代食品工业产 物，希望大众能跳出争议，客观看待预制菜的产业价值。 中国食品工业协会研究室特聘专家、中国预制菜产业园创新发展工程中心专家周孝云认为："预制菜不是洪水猛兽，事实上， 用"工业锅"炒好"农业菜"一直是预制菜的定位，预制菜作为三产融合的重要形式，也有利于食品安全和产业发展。" 何为预制菜？ 到 ...

Core Viewpoint - The recent discussions surrounding pre-prepared meals (pre-cooked dishes) have gained significant attention, prompting consumers to deepen their understanding of these products and promoting food safety measures [1] Group 1: Definition and Regulation of Pre-prepared Meals - The definition of pre-prepared meals has been a focal point of debate, with a recent notification from six government departments clarifying that pre-prepared meals should not contain preservatives and do not include staple foods or ready-to-eat salads [3][4] - The notification aims to delineate pre-prepared meals from other food categories, helping to prevent market confusion and protect consumer interests [3][4] - There is a discrepancy between consumer perceptions and regulatory definitions, as many consumers equate pre-packaged and pre-processed foods with pre-prepared meals [3] Group 2: Consumer Awareness and Labeling - Consumers express a desire for transparency regarding the use of pre-prepared meals in restaurants, emphasizing the importance of informing them about the nature of the food they are consuming [4][5] - Various regions are actively exploring labeling requirements for pre-prepared meals, with regulations set to take effect in 2025 that mandate clear identification of such products [5][6] - Despite the push for transparency, many businesses are hesitant to disclose the use of pre-prepared meals due to concerns about consumer backlash [6] Group 3: Safety Concerns and Additives - There are widespread consumer concerns regarding the use of preservatives and additives in pre-prepared meals, with many believing that these products may pose health risks [7][9] - Regulatory guidelines prohibit the use of preservatives in pre-prepared meals, and proper storage techniques can mitigate the need for such additives [7][9] - The use of food additives is strictly regulated, and any deviations from these standards can lead to increased health risks [9] Group 4: Future Development of the Industry - The pre-prepared meal sector has been recognized in national policy documents, indicating a commitment to developing this industry further [10][11] - Comparisons with international markets show that pre-prepared meals have a penetration rate of over 60% in countries like the U.S. and Japan, suggesting potential for growth in China [10] - Recommendations include establishing national standards for the production and handling of pre-prepared meals, as well as encouraging technological innovations in preservation and packaging [10][12]

Core Viewpoint - The recent discussions surrounding pre-prepared meals (pre-cooked dishes) have gained significant attention, particularly after several restaurant companies announced a shift to freshly made dishes in-store, enhancing consumer awareness and food safety [1] Group 1: Definition and Regulation of Pre-prepared Meals - The definition of pre-prepared meals has been a focal point of debate, with a recent notice from six government departments clarifying that pre-prepared meals should not contain preservatives and do not include staple foods or ready-to-eat salads [3] - The notice aims to delineate the boundaries between pre-prepared meals and other food categories, helping to prevent market confusion and protect consumer interests [3] - There is a discrepancy between consumer perceptions and regulatory definitions, as many consumers equate packaged, pre-processed foods with pre-prepared meals, which may not align with official definitions [3] Group 2: Consumer Awareness and Rights - Consumers express a desire for transparency regarding the use of pre-prepared meals in restaurants, emphasizing the importance of knowing the true nature of the food they consume [4] - Various regions are actively exploring ways to promote the clear labeling of pre-prepared meals, with regulations set to take effect in 2025 requiring explicit identification of such products [5] - Despite the push for transparency, many businesses are hesitant to disclose the use of pre-prepared meals due to concerns about consumer backlash [6] Group 3: Safety and Quality Concerns - There are widespread consumer concerns regarding the use of preservatives and additives in pre-prepared meals, with many believing that these products may pose health risks [7] - Regulatory frameworks dictate that pre-prepared meals cannot contain preservatives, and proper storage and handling techniques can mitigate safety concerns [7] - The safety of pre-prepared meals is compared to freshly cooked dishes, with both having potential risks depending on preparation methods and ingredient quality [8] Group 4: Future Development of the Industry - The inclusion of pre-prepared meals in national policy documents indicates a growing recognition of their potential within the food industry, with calls for standardized regulations to ensure safety and quality [8][9] - The industry is encouraged to innovate in areas such as freezing, vacuum packaging, and cold chain logistics to enhance the quality of pre-prepared meals [8] - Ongoing efforts to establish clearer industry standards and improve regulatory oversight are essential for the sustainable development of the pre-prepared meal sector [9]

Core Viewpoint - The recent discussions surrounding pre-prepared meals (pre-cooked dishes) have gained significant attention, leading to some restaurants announcing a shift to freshly made dishes in-store, which enhances consumer awareness and food safety [1] Group 1: Definition and Regulation of Pre-prepared Meals - The definition of pre-prepared meals has been a focal point of debate, with a recent notice from six government departments clarifying that pre-prepared meals should not contain preservatives and do not include staple foods or ready-to-eat salads [3] - The notice aims to delineate the boundaries between pre-prepared meals and other food categories, helping to prevent market confusion and protect consumer interests [3] - There is a discrepancy between consumer perceptions and regulatory definitions, as many consumers equate packaged and pre-processed foods with pre-prepared meals [3] Group 2: Consumer Awareness and Rights - Consumers express a desire for transparency regarding the use of pre-prepared meals in restaurants, emphasizing the importance of being informed about the nature of the food they consume [4] - Various regions are actively exploring ways to promote the clear labeling of pre-prepared meals, with specific regulations set to take effect in 2025 [5] - Despite the push for transparency, many businesses are hesitant to disclose the use of pre-prepared meals due to concerns about consumer backlash [6] Group 3: Safety and Quality Concerns - There are widespread concerns among consumers regarding the use of preservatives and additives in pre-prepared meals, although regulations prohibit the use of preservatives in these products [7] - The production of pre-prepared meals involves strict food safety requirements, and reputable companies typically adhere to regulations regarding food additives [7] - The safety of pre-prepared meals is compared to freshly cooked dishes, with both having potential risks depending on preparation methods and ingredient quality [8] Group 4: Future Development of the Industry - The pre-prepared meal industry has been recognized in national policy, with calls for its development and regulation to ensure quality and safety [8] - There is a need for unified national standards to guide the production, transportation, and handling of pre-prepared meals, which would enhance industry practices [8] - The industry is encouraged to innovate in preservation and packaging technologies to improve the quality of pre-prepared meals [8] Group 5: Regulatory and Industry Support - The National Health Commission is set to solicit public opinions on national standards for pre-prepared meals, aiming to establish clearer operational guidelines [9] - Regulatory bodies are committed to enforcing food safety responsibilities among businesses and conducting regular inspections to ensure compliance [9] - Industry associations are urged to promote scientific understanding of pre-prepared meals among consumers to foster informed choices and market growth [9]

Core Viewpoint - The pre-prepared food industry, once thriving, is experiencing a resurgence in public interest due to ongoing disputes and developments, despite a shift in local government focus towards "green food" instead of pre-prepared meals [3][9]. Industry Development - The pre-prepared food industry in a certain agricultural county has achieved a revenue of 20 billion yuan in 2024, ranking fourth nationally and first in Central China according to the 2024 Pre-prepared Food Industry Top 100 Base list [4]. - The local government is investing 20 billion yuan to build a pre-prepared food innovation demonstration industrial park covering 8,650 acres, aiming to integrate various industry chains [5]. - In the first half of the year, multiple government officials visited the area to assess the pre-prepared food industry, indicating strong governmental interest [7]. Market Dynamics - Despite the investment and government interest, there is a notable decline in the public's enthusiasm for pre-prepared food, with local officials now promoting "green food" instead [9]. - The local pre-prepared food enterprises have shifted their focus from direct consumer sales (C-end) to business-to-business (B-end) sales, targeting large clients such as restaurants and bulk buyers [12]. - Previous sales successes in pre-prepared food have diminished, with companies reporting significant layoffs in their e-commerce departments due to declining market demand [12]. Challenges Faced - The decline in the pre-prepared food market is attributed to food quality and hygiene issues reported in schools using these products, as well as controversies surrounding certain pre-prepared dishes [12].