Xinhua Commentary: "National Standards" for Prepared Dishes Promote Industry Standardization

Xinhua News Agency published a commentary article. Recently, the topic of pre-made dishes has received widespread attention. Behind the discussion are consumers’ demands for improved product and service quality, concerns about the right to be informed, and urgent calls for the standardized development of the pre-made dish industry. What the public cares about is what the government should respond to in a timely manner. On February 6, the General Office of the State Council’s Food Safety Office and other departments publicly solicited opinions from society on multiple documents, including national standards for pre-made dishes. The consultation focused on key issues such as raw material risk control, the use of food additives, and nutritional quality, sending positive signals of active interaction among all parties and a commitment to regulating the high-quality development of the pre-made dish industry. Standardization, transparency, and innovation are the only ways to build brand trust and win consumer favor. This opinion solicitation was conducted after months of extensive industry research, aiming to resolve differences, build consensus, promote compliant and transparent development of the pre-made dish industry, guide high-quality industry growth, better safeguard consumers’ fundamental rights, and ensure consumers can eat with greater peace of mind. Pre-made dishes are not “monsters” and should not be simply labeled as “good” or “bad.” The emergence and development of pre-made dishes, to some extent, meet the diverse dietary needs of people. Their convenience and efficiency have brought them to the dining table, representing a new change that adapts to China’s large and diverse population and the development of an industrialized food system. The reasonable demands of consumers are also a barometer for industry development and transformation. As long as these products meet safety, quality, and health requirements, there is no need to fear the “pre” label. Currently, China’s pre-made dish industry is at a critical moment of moving toward standardized development. Establishing unified national standards will clarify boundaries for enterprises, provide clear guidelines for development, and support the industry’s healthy and long-term growth.