Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding "pre-prepared meals" in China stems from a significant trust deficit among consumers, despite the potential for a win-win situation for producers, restaurants, and consumers [1][2] Group 1: Industry Context - The pre-prepared meal industry in China is facing challenges due to a mismatch between industry supply and local consumer demand, necessitating innovation in product, technology, and marketing [2][12] - The concept of pre-prepared meals entered the Chinese market during the pandemic, which created a false sense of security regarding consumer acceptance, leading to a backlash once normalcy returned [7][8] - Unlike Japan, where pre-prepared meals gained acceptance through historical context and societal needs, China's rapid introduction during a crisis did not allow for the same level of consumer trust to develop [4][5][8] Group 2: Consumer Concerns - Chinese consumers are primarily concerned about the safety, health, and transparency of pre-prepared meals, questioning the presence of preservatives and additives, as well as the overall quality and taste [10][12] - There is a strong demand for clarity regarding the use of pre-prepared meals in restaurants, with consumers wanting to know if they are receiving fresh ingredients and the right to make informed choices [10][12] - The lack of standardized regulations and definitions for pre-prepared meals in China has contributed to consumer skepticism, although recent efforts are being made to establish clearer guidelines [12][13] Group 3: Regulatory Developments - The Chinese government is moving towards establishing a unified standard for pre-prepared meals, which will include definitions, classifications, and safety regulations, aimed at enhancing consumer trust [12][13] - The upcoming national standards will require restaurants to disclose information about their use of pre-prepared meals, which is expected to improve transparency and consumer confidence [13]