Opinion: China’s Recipe for Safer Pre-Made Meals

China’s regulators are finally moving to define what exactly constitutes a “prepared dish.” The State Council Food Safety Office, along with the National Health Commission, recently released three draft documents seeking public comment on the industry, including the National Food Safety Standard for Prepared Dishes.

This marks the first time authorities have issued a national standard for the sector, laying out strict definitions regarding raw materials, additives, production processes and labeling. These drafts are a necessary response to public anxiety and a crucial step to improve quality in pre-made food industry.