Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing debate surrounding "pre-prepared dishes" in the food industry, emphasizing the need for clearer definitions and standards to enhance consumer transparency and trust [5][9]. Group 1: Definition and Classification - Pre-prepared dishes are defined as packaged meals made from agricultural products that require heating or cooking before consumption [5]. - The classification of pre-prepared dishes includes various levels of processing, ranging from ready-to-eat meals to minimally processed fresh ingredients [2][5]. Group 2: Industry Concerns and Consumer Sentiment - The central kitchen model in the food industry allows for standardization and efficiency, but consumers are sensitive to the quality and safety of pre-prepared dishes [6]. - Consumer feedback indicates a preference for freshly cooked meals over pre-prepared options, with concerns about taste and hygiene [8]. Group 3: Regulatory Recommendations - Industry experts suggest the establishment of comprehensive national standards for pre-prepared dishes, including clear labeling of preparation methods and ingredients [9]. - A licensing management system is recommended to ensure that only compliant businesses can produce pre-prepared dishes, thereby addressing consumer concerns about safety and quality [9].

Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding Xibei Catering's use of pre-prepared dishes marketed as "freshly cooked" highlights the challenges faced by China's pre-prepared food industry, including ambiguous definitions, inadequate standards, and a gap in consumer understanding [1][6]. Industry Standards and Regulations - China's food safety standard system has evolved over 60 years, transitioning from "food hygiene" to "food safety" with the implementation of the Food Safety Law in 2009, leading to a comprehensive integration of standards [2]. - As of 2025, there are 2,242 effective national food standards in China, covering food safety, quality, testing methods, labeling, and nutritional additives, forming a unified standard system centered on food safety [2]. - Existing standards for pre-prepared dishes are categorized and dispersed, making it challenging to create a new, unified standard for the category [3][4]. - Current national and industry standards impose strict regulations on food additives, microorganisms, and testing methods, ensuring compliance across various food types, including traditional and new pre-prepared dishes [4]. Market Dynamics and Growth - The pre-prepared food industry is experiencing rapid growth, with a market size projected to reach 485 billion yuan by 2024, driven by government encouragement and the industry's potential to reduce food waste and improve raw material utilization [6][7]. Consumer Perception and Education - There is a significant gap between public expectations and the reality of pre-prepared foods, often stemming from a lack of scientific understanding regarding food preservation techniques and safety standards [6][8]. - The acceptance of pre-prepared foods in developed countries is higher due to better consumer awareness of food standards, suggesting that improved communication and education could enhance consumer trust in pre-prepared dishes in China [7][8]. Recommendations for Improvement - To address the challenges in the pre-prepared food sector, collaboration among government, enterprises, and consumers is essential, focusing on enhancing the standard system without unnecessary duplication [7]. - Companies should prioritize self-regulation, improve product quality, and effectively communicate the safety and nutritional benefits of pre-prepared foods to consumers [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - The key to resolving the challenges in the prepared food industry lies in rebuilding trust among consumers, businesses, and the government [8] Industry Standards and Regulations - The existing food safety standard system in China, established over 60 years, is capable of supporting the safety requirements for the prepared food industry [2][4] - As of 2025, there are 2,242 effective national food standards in China, covering various aspects including food safety, quality, and labeling [2] - Current standards for specific prepared food categories exist, but the challenge lies in defining "prepared food" as a distinct category [3][4] Prepared Food Definition and Challenges - There is a lack of consensus on the definition and scope of "prepared food," leading to significant differences in understanding among industry experts, businesses, and consumers [3][4] - Some experts argue that existing standards for related food categories are sufficient, while others believe a new standard for prepared food is necessary [3][4] Market Growth and Consumer Perception - The prepared food industry is experiencing rapid growth, with a projected market size of 4,850 billion yuan by 2024 [6] - There is a gap between public expectations and reality regarding prepared foods, often stemming from a lack of scientific understanding of food preservation methods [6][7] Recommendations for Improvement - The resolution of the prepared food dilemma requires collaborative efforts from the government, businesses, and consumers, focusing on improving the standard system and enhancing product transparency [7][8] - Businesses should invest in research and development, improve product quality, and effectively communicate the benefits of prepared foods to consumers [7][8]

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing controversy surrounding pre-prepared dishes (pre-cooked meals) has raised concerns among consumers regarding their safety and health, prompting calls for transparency from restaurants about their use of such dishes [1][6]. Definition of Pre-prepared Dishes - Pre-prepared dishes are defined as meals made from one or more food products that undergo industrial pre-processing without the addition of preservatives, and must be stored and transported under specified conditions [2][3]. - The recent notification from various government departments marks the first national-level clarification on the scope of pre-prepared dishes, emphasizing the prohibition of preservatives and the requirement for cold chain logistics [3]. Safety and Health Concerns - The pre-prepared dish industry in China has seen rapid growth, with over 74,000 related enterprises currently in operation [4]. - While larger pre-prepared dish companies have established safety protocols, smaller enterprises may lack standards, leading to potential food safety risks [4]. - A survey indicated that consumers have encountered quality issues with pre-prepared dishes, including spoilage and contamination [4]. Need for Standards and Regulations - Experts advocate for the establishment of national standards for pre-prepared dishes to ensure industry regulation and safety [5]. - There is a call for a comprehensive standard system that defines the concept and classification of pre-prepared dishes, including production, transportation, and storage requirements [5]. Consumer Awareness and Rights - A significant majority of consumers believe that restaurants should disclose the use of pre-prepared dishes, with 65.6% supporting prior notification [6]. - The Consumer Rights Protection Law entitles consumers to know the true nature of the products they purchase, emphasizing the need for transparency in the use of pre-prepared dishes [6]. Industry Communication and Transparency - Industry leaders suggest that restaurants should enhance communication with consumers to build trust and eliminate information asymmetry regarding the use of pre-prepared dishes [7]. - A draft national standard for pre-prepared dish safety is set to be publicly reviewed, which will standardize the disclosure of information regarding the use of such dishes in restaurants [7].

Core Viewpoint - The definition and scope of pre-prepared dishes (pre-cooked meals) have been clarified by the State Administration for Market Regulation and other departments, emphasizing the need for natural ingredients and cold chain logistics to ensure freshness and safety [1][4] Group 1: Definition and Standards - Pre-prepared dishes are defined as packaged meals made from agricultural products that require heating or cooking before consumption [1] - The notification specifies that certain items, such as frozen staple foods and ready-to-eat meals, are not classified as pre-prepared dishes [1] - Analysts highlight two key requirements: the prohibition of preservatives and the necessity for a complete cold chain during production [1] Group 2: Consumer Concerns - There is ongoing consumer skepticism regarding the safety and quality standards of pre-prepared dishes due to the lack of a detailed standard system [2] - Consumers express dissatisfaction with the taste and experience of pre-prepared dishes compared to freshly cooked meals, citing a lack of flavor and concerns over hygiene [3] - The issue often lies not with the concept of pre-prepared dishes but with businesses failing to respect consumer rights, such as not disclosing whether a dish is pre-prepared [3] Group 3: Industry Perspective - The development of pre-prepared dishes requires regulatory guidance and the establishment of comprehensive national standards [4] - Industry experts suggest that a licensing management model should be implemented to ensure that only compliant businesses can produce pre-prepared dishes, thereby enhancing industry standards and consumer trust [4] - The sustainable development of pre-prepared dishes hinges on balancing taste, industrialization, and freshness through proper regulations and standards [4]

Core Viewpoint - The recent discussions around pre-prepared meals (pre-cooked dishes) have gained significant attention, particularly regarding their definition and standards in China [1][4]. Definition and Standards - The definition of pre-prepared meals includes dishes made from agricultural products that require heating or cooking before consumption, as outlined in a notification from six government departments set to be implemented in March 2024 [4]. - Certain items, such as ready-to-eat meals and various staple foods, are explicitly excluded from the pre-prepared meal category [4]. - Two key requirements for pre-prepared meals are the prohibition of preservatives to ensure natural and healthy food, and the necessity for cold chain logistics to maintain freshness and safety [4]. Consumer Concerns - There is ongoing consumer skepticism regarding the safety and quality standards of pre-prepared meals due to the lack of a detailed standard system in the industry [5]. - Consumers express concerns about the taste and quality of pre-prepared meals compared to freshly cooked dishes, with some associating them with poor hygiene practices [6][11]. - The issue of consumer rights is highlighted, with calls for transparency from businesses regarding whether meals are pre-prepared, allowing consumers to make informed choices [11]. Industry Perspective - The central kitchen model used by businesses allows for standardization and efficiency, which can reduce costs and increase productivity [6]. - Industry experts emphasize the need for improved national standards to address the controversies surrounding pre-prepared meals, advocating for a nuanced approach rather than a one-size-fits-all solution [12]. - Recommendations include implementing a licensing management system to ensure that only compliant businesses can produce pre-prepared meals, thereby enhancing industry regulation and consumer trust [12].