BUSINESS

China to Tighten Oversight of Pre-Made Meals as Safety Concerns Rise

Published: Feb. 6, 2026 7:04 p.m. GMT+8

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Pre-cooked meals for sale at a supermarket in Nantong, Jiangsu province, on Nov. 2, 2025. Photo: VCG

China’s top health regulator has unveiled draft national standards for pre-made meals, seeking to bring clearer oversight to a fast-growing food category that has become both a commercial staple and a lightning rod for consumer distrust.

The National Health Commission’s food safety standards department released the draft on Friday, for the first time defining “pre-made dishes” at the national level and setting requirements for everything from ingredients and additives to packaging, labeling and sales.

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China’s health regulator released draft national standards for pre-made meals, defining the category and setting requirements for ingredients, additives, packaging, and labeling.
Preservatives are banned, the draft suggests a 12-month maximum shelf life, and restaurants are encouraged—but not required—to disclose when pre-made meals are served.
The move follows public distrust fueled by the 2023 Xibei restaurant controversy over transparency and food quality.

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Who’s Who

Xibei: Xibei, a restaurant chain, was involved in a controversy last year concerning pre-made dishes. An online influencer, Luo Yonghao, accused Xibei of serving overpriced and unpalatable pre-made dishes, which triggered a public debate about transparency in the industry. The founder, Jia Guolong, defended the restaurant by opening its kitchens to scrutiny.

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What Happened When

2025：: Controversy involving restaurant chain Xibei emerged, heightened by accusations from online influencer Luo Yonghao about overpriced and unpalatable pre-made dishes, sparking public debate over transparency.

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