Xie Zhanhuan: It is difficult to require the industry to label the use of pre-prepared dishes, as there are already laws regulating food safety

The Director of the Environment and Ecology Bureau, Xie Zhanhuan, responded to questions from legislators at the Legislative Council, stating that the mainland proposed promoting clear labeling of "using pre-prepared dishes" in the catering sector, but it is not mandatory. The safety of food sold by restaurants is not related to whether pre-prepared ingredients are used, and labeling will not improve food safety. Additionally, pre-prepared dishes are difficult to define clearly, and requiring restaurants to list the pre-prepared components of each dish needs to consider whether it is reasonable and feasible.

Xie Zhanhuan mentioned that different types of food, including the general concept of pre-prepared dishes, are regulated by existing food safety legislation at all stages from production, import to sale. From 2023 to August of this year, the Centre for Food Safety has sampled over 1,350 pre-prepared food samples, with only one sample failing microbiological testing. The Centre for Food Safety also issued food safety recommendations for pre-prepared dishes in June of this year