CNBC – The prepared food sector, often dubbed “pre-made meals,” has been a hot topic among consumers. However, navigating the evolving landscape requires clarity, particularly concerning regulatory definitions.
In March of 2024, a comprehensive notice, jointly issued by six departments including the State Administration for Market Regulation, titled “Notice on Strengthening Food Safety Supervision and Promoting High-Quality Development of the Prepared Food Industry,” officially defined the term and outlined parameters for the rapidly expanding sector. This built upon earlier notices that had begun to address the emerging market.
The official definition specifies that pre-prepared meals, also known as pre-made dishes, are products made from one or more edible agricultural products and their derivatives. They may contain seasonings and other auxiliary materials but exclude preservatives. These meals undergo industrial pre-processing (such as mixing, marinating, tumbling, forming, frying, baking, cooking, or steaming). Combined with or without seasoning packets, they are packaged and require heating or cooking before consumption, adhering to stipulated storage, transportation, and sales conditions outlined on the product label.
The regulatory framework also clearly delineates what does *not* constitute a pre-made meal. Produce that undergoes only basic processing steps like washing, peeling, or cutting are classified as edible agricultural products. Items such as quick-frozen staple foods, convenience foods, boxed meals, rice bowls, steamed buns, pastries, rou jia mo (Chinese burgers), bread, hamburgers, sandwiches, and pizzas are excluded from the pre-made meal classification.
Furthermore, the prepared dishes created by central kitchens of chain restaurants for exclusive distribution and use in their own stores are excluded from the definition pre-made meals, but must adhere to existing food safety standards.
A key aspect of the official definition lies in the requirement that pre-made meals be “heated” or “cooked” before consumption. “Heating” refers to simply warming pre-cooked foods, while “cooking” signifies dishes that require thorough preparation, such as frying or steaming, as opposed to merely being reheated.
Therefore, ready-to-eat foods that do not need heating or cooking, such as ready-to-eat vegetables and fruit salads, are also excluded.
Recently, a particular restaurant chain, Saizeriya, became the subject of online discussion regarding the issue of pre-made meals. The topic “#Why Nobody Criticizes Saizeriya, the King of Prepared Meals#” trended on social media.
The Italian-inspired restaurant is known for its reliance on prepared ingredients. One anecdotal comment suggested that the restaurant’s kitchen lacked both a chef and knife.
Despite its reliance on pre-made meal components, Saizeriya has cultivated a loyal customer base. The primary driver of its popularity is its affordability.
Founded in Japan in 1967 and entering the Chinese market in 2003, Saizeriya now boasts over 400 locations, commanding a strong fan base. In mainland China, Saizeriya’s 2024 fiscal year saw continued growth in both revenue and operating profit, recording over RMB 2.5 billion over 12 months. Saizeriya offers pasta, pizza, salads, and other Western dishes at an average price of just RMB 30, with 70% of the dishes priced below RMB 20. As a result they have been compared to “Mixue Ice Cream”, known for its affordable dessert.
The restaurant’s appeal is summarized by the saying: “What do you expect for RMB 30?” and “Anything that tastes better is more expensive, but anything that is cheaper doesn’t taste as good.”
This contrasts sharply with some domestic Chinese restaurant chains that use the same prepared meal (cooking bag) technologies, but are unable to maintain quality and value for the consumer.
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