Group 1 - The concept of pre-prepared dishes (pre-cooked meals) has been clarified by the government, defining it as not including preservatives, staple foods, or ready-to-eat salads, and excluding meals prepared in central kitchens [1][2] - Consumers express a desire for transparency regarding the use of pre-prepared dishes in restaurants, with some regions exploring ways to indicate the type of dish, such as "freshly made," "semi-prepared," or "reheated pre-prepared" [1][2] - Concerns about preservatives and additives in pre-prepared dishes highlight a broader public interest in food safety, emphasizing the need for strict regulations not only in pre-prepared meals but also in freshly cooked dishes [2] Group 2 - The development of pre-prepared dishes should focus on promoting healthy growth, with calls for the establishment of national standards for production and transportation processes [2] - Encouragement for innovation in freezing and vacuum packaging methods is essential to enhance the quality of pre-prepared dishes, ensuring consumer confidence in food safety [2]

新华社发文。 近日，预制菜再次站上"风口浪尖"。关于预制菜的讨论引发广泛关注。9月15日，相关餐饮企业宣布将多款餐 品改为门店现做。 这场从网络线上延伸到线下的全民讨论，无疑为消费者深化对预制菜的认知，以及促进保障食品安全起到推动 作用。 让预制菜真正成为"阳光下的一盘菜"，还有哪些问题必须厘清？ 消费者权益保护法规定，消费者享有知悉其购买、使用的商品或者接受的服务的真实情况的权利。去年市场监 管总局等六部门也明确提出，大力推广餐饮环节使用预制菜明示。 问题一：如何定义预制菜？ "新华视点"记者注意到，"怎样才算预制菜"，是此次网上关于预制菜争论的焦点问题之一。 业内人士指出，此前预制菜的概念较为宽泛，即食、即热、即烹、即配四大类都被归为预制菜范畴。 2024年3月，市场监管总局等六部门出台《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》，首次 在国家层面对预制菜的定义和范围进行了明确。 根据该通知，预制菜不允许添加防腐剂，不包括主食类食品，也不包括可直接食用的蔬菜（水果）沙拉等凉拌 菜。此外，中央厨房制作的菜肴，也不属于预制菜。 "通知对预制菜概念做了'减法'，将预制菜与净菜、中央厨房等产业进行了边 ...

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]

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 following announcements from restaurant companies to shift several menu items to be made fresh 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 broad categorization that includes ready-to-eat, ready-to-heat, ready-to-cook, and ready-to-assemble meals [2][3]. - A new regulation from the State Administration for Market Regulation and other departments has clarified that pre-prepared meals cannot contain preservatives and do not include staple foods or ready-to-eat salads, thus delineating the boundaries of this category [3]. - There is a discrepancy between consumer perceptions and the actual regulatory definitions, leading to confusion regarding what constitutes a pre-prepared meal [3]. Group 2: Consumer Awareness and Transparency - 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 are consuming [4]. - Various regions are actively exploring ways to promote transparency in the use of pre-prepared meals, with initiatives such as labeling requirements and pilot programs being implemented [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][7]. Group 3: Safety Concerns and Regulatory Oversight - 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 [8][9]. - Regulations prohibit the use of preservatives in pre-prepared meals, and proper storage and processing techniques are employed to ensure food safety [10]. - The use of food additives is strictly regulated, and while some businesses may add flavor enhancers, there are concerns about the safety of certain practices in food preparation [11]. Group 4: Future Development of the Pre-prepared Meal Industry - The pre-prepared meal sector has been recognized in national policy, with calls for its development and regulation to ensure quality and safety [12]. - Comparisons with international markets indicate that pre-prepared meals can be successfully integrated into the food industry, provided that proper standards and innovations are established [12]. - The establishment of national standards for the production and handling of pre-prepared meals is underway, with industry associations working to refine guidelines and promote best practices [13][14].

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 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] - The notification aims to prevent businesses from misusing the term "pre-prepared meals" to gain market traction, distinguishing it from other food categories like fresh-cut vegetables and central kitchen products [1] - There is a discrepancy between consumer perceptions and regulatory definitions, with consumers often equating pre-prepared meals with packaged, pre-processed foods [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 [1] - Various regions are actively exploring ways to promote the labeling of pre-prepared meals, with regulations set to take effect in 2025 requiring clear identification of such products [1] - Despite the push for transparency, many businesses are hesitant to disclose the use of pre-prepared meals due to fears of consumer backlash [1] Group 3: Safety Concerns and Additives - There are concerns among consumers regarding the use of preservatives and additives in pre-prepared meals, with some believing that these products may contain harmful substances [3] - Regulations prohibit the use of preservatives in pre-prepared meals, and proper storage and handling techniques are emphasized to ensure safety [3] - The safety of pre-prepared meals is compared to freshly cooked dishes, highlighting that both can pose risks if not handled properly [3] 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 [3] - There is a need for unified national standards to guide the production, transportation, and handling of pre-prepared meals, which would enhance food safety [3] - Industry associations are working to improve standards and promote consumer education to foster a better understanding of pre-prepared meals [3]