As Mid-Autumn festival draws near, the market for mooncakes is
making its annual comeback again, especially with some so-called
"healthier mooncakes".
Mooncakes with stuffing made with xylitol, a natural sugar
alcohol that is used as a sugar substitute, high-Ca and iron
supplements are the new "favorite" in the market even though they
are three to five time more expensive than the traditional
mooncakes.
But experts warn that there is no scientific evidence the
"healthier mooncakes" are good for people's health. It is nothing
more than the producers' hype.
Due to the price increase of raw materials this year, most
mooncakes on sale now are priced around 80 to 200 yuan, higher than
in previous years.
Since China introduced a national standard to regulate mooncake
prices in June 2006, overpriced mooncakes become rare this year.
Starting from September 2007, all mooncakes produced are required
to have a "QS" mark, the "identification card" to guarantee food
safety.
It is estimated that mooncakes sales will rise 20 percent from
that of last year.
(CRIENGLISH.com August 20, 2007)
