China tightens food safety standards for pre-cooked meals

China proposes stricter food safety rules for booming pre-cooked meal industry

Chinese authorities have unveiled a draft national food safety standard for pre-cooked meals. The proposed rules aim to tighten oversight across the entire supply chain while seeking public feedback on key measures. The move comes as the country's prepared meals industry continues to expand rapidly.

The new draft standard consolidates existing regulations into a clearer framework. It defines pre-cooked meals more precisely and sets stricter safety requirements for production and distribution. Authorities have also released a separate draft on terminology and classification to reduce confusion in the sector.

Preservatives remain banned under the proposed rules, and producers must cut back on food additives where possible. Shelf life limits have been introduced as well, with a maximum cap of 12 months to ensure fresher products reach consumers. The regulation encourages catering businesses to voluntarily share details about food processing methods. This push for transparency addresses long-standing consumer concerns about hidden ingredients and preparation practices. With the market for prepared meals projected to hit 30.9 billion USD by 2026, the standard seeks to balance industry growth with stronger safety controls. Officials have opened the draft for public consultation, inviting feedback on how to improve disclosure practices. The goal is to guide healthier consumption while preventing food safety risks before they arise.

The proposed standard will now undergo a review period before finalisation. If adopted, it will impose tighter rules on additives, shelf life, and transparency in the pre-cooked meal industry. The changes are expected to shape both regulatory enforcement and consumer trust in the coming years.