Nearly 40 percent can't go home for meals while Home Meal Day is marked in China, according to a survey.

"7·17" for July 17 sounds like "take a bite" in Chinese and is regarded as the unofficial "Home Meal Day" by many to encourage people to eat at home with family members.

The survey by China News Service and China's leading food procurer Shuanghui Group finds that more than 80 percent of people go home for meals at least once a week.

Over 25 percent of interviewees eat at home one or two days a week, and 16.7 percent do it three to five days. Nearly 40 percent eat at home almost everyday.

The survey also finds that 20.5 percent don't eat at home because they are tied up with work or social engagements. And 16.6 percent say they are too tired to cook at home.

Healthy diet (30.4 percent) is the leading factor causing commuters to eat at home. Other factors include a relaxing environment (27.9 percent), price (20.9 percent) and flavor (14 percent).