China Requires Ghost Kitchens to Disclose Takeout-Only Status

Millions of people ordering food delivery in China will soon have clearer information about where their meals come from, thanks to new regulations targeting ghost kitchens.

Starting in June, food vendors that operate only as takeout services must disclose that status on all online platforms. China's top market regulator announced the rules Thursday, marking the first time the country has required ghost kitchens to identify themselves clearly to customers.

The regulations also require vendors to operate from verified physical locations with addresses matching their licensing documents. Delivery platforms like Meituan, Ele.me, and JD.com must check and update vendor information at least twice a year, cross-referencing official government databases.

The crackdown addresses years of concerns about food safety oversight. Without clear addresses or accurate licensing information, ghost kitchens have been difficult for regulators to monitor and inspect.

Some merchants reportedly used AI-generated images of storefronts and food to fool platform verification systems. While major delivery apps introduced optional labels in 2025 showing whether restaurants offered dine-in service, the system remained inconsistent and easy to manipulate.

The Ripple Effect

The new rules put real teeth behind enforcement. Platforms and merchants face fines up to 200,000 yuan (about $29,000) for violations, with even steeper penalties possible for platform executives.

Sun Huichuan, food safety director at the State Administration for Market Regulation, said the message is clear: platforms cannot "collect commissions without taking responsibility" or "pursue customer traffic without ensuring quality."

The regulations represent a shift in how China balances the convenience of food delivery with consumer protection. By requiring transparency about which vendors operate from full restaurants versus delivery-only kitchens, customers can make more informed choices about where to order.

For the millions of Chinese consumers who rely on food delivery apps daily, these changes mean greater accountability in an industry that has sometimes prioritized growth over safety.