Overhaul pledged after pre-made meal controversy

Following a simmering controversy over pre-made dishes in China, popular restaurant chain Xibei has issued a public apology and pledged changes in response to mounting online criticism from consumers.

In an open letter released on Monday, Xibei acknowledged that its production methods had "fallen short of customer expectations" and promised to revamp its operations. The company said that by Oct 1, all of its nearly 400 outlets nationwide would complete a series of upgrades, shifting more central kitchen processes back to on-site preparation.

The nine measures announced include moving children's beef patties and rice dishes to be freshly cooked in stores, using freshly cut fish for children's meals, and ensuring lamb skewers and pork ribs are prepared on site. Xibei also pledged to replace soybean oil with non-GMO varieties and shorten product shelf life by working with suppliers.

"We welcome customers to continue offering suggestions, and we will keep improving," the letter said. Founder Jia Guolong added that the chain would strive to operate "with full transparency", calling the recent uproar the greatest challenge in its history.

The apology followed days of heated online debate triggered by celebrity entrepreneur Luo Yonghao, who last week criticized Xibei on Sina Weibo after a meal, saying most dishes were pre-made and overpriced. Luo urged authorities to require restaurants to disclose when pre-made dishes are used. His post went viral, sparking nationwide discussion.

On Sunday, major official media outlets, including the Xinhua News Agency, People's Daily and China Media Group, published reports explaining what constitutes premade dishes and addressing widespread consumer concerns. The attention underscored how the issue had grown from a brand dispute into a broader public debate over food safety and transparency.

Despite Xibei's apology, Luo continued to press for answers on Monday, questioning the company's promises and pointing to issues such as product quality. Over the weekend, leaked screenshots showed Jia admitting to mishandling the situation, pledging greater transparency, but also referring to Luo as part of a "cyber underworld". Late on Sunday, Luo denounced the label as slander and proposed a live debate on a major platform to clarify the matter.

The episode has reignited discussions on pre-made dishes, transparency and consumer rights, highlighting the challenges facing China's fast-growing pre-made food sector and the importance of regulation, disclosure and public trust in shaping its future.

Regulatory notices encourage restaurants to clearly indicate when such dishes are used. According to a 2024 notice by the State Administration for Market Regulation, premade dishes are prepackaged foods made from one or more agricultural ingredients, processed industrially — such as marinating, frying or steaming — and meant to be consumed after heating or cooking. Fresh vegetables, lightly processed ingredients, ready-to-eat meals, and central kitchen-prepared dishes delivered to chain outlets are not considered pre-made.

The notice calls for stronger supervision, including verifying raw materials, regulating additives, improving licensing and promoting clear labeling. Officials noted that preservatives are unnecessary due to cold storage and sterilization.

Tan Guijun, director of the Nutrition Department at Tianjin First Central Hospital, told Xinhua that while fresh ingredients retain nutrients more fully, pre-made dishes can still meet caloric and nutritional needs if handled according to safety standards. Consumers and industry insiders say the controversy underscores the importance of balancing efficiency with transparency, regulation and innovation to ensure the sector's healthy development.