Love them or loath those, with the Mid-Autumn Festival drawing near, moon cakes are everywhere. Constantly searching for inventive ways to attract customers, moon cake manufacturers are now stuffing their seasonal pies with some highly unusual fillings - some even claim to have tonics.

Non-traditional moon cake fillings may now be readily accepted by moon cake-makers, but there has been debate among different newspapers about this issue. Let our reporter……. tell us more.

Our first opinion comes from the Workers' Daily, which warns consumers of claims that those moon cakes possess 'medical' functions. It's just one way for sellers to promote sales, it contends. Moon cakes are nothing more than a traditional dessert eaten on Mid-Autumn Day. If people need to replenish their calcium or to treat hypertension, they can buy medicine. Why should they bother with a moon cake?

The round shape of the moon cake represents perfection and family unity, which is closely related to Chinese culture. The author suggests that sellers might emphasize the cultural significance of moon cakes instead of exaggerating medical functions.

An article from Wenhui reiterates that the moon cake, among other things, should first be a delicious food. It is true that nowadays people buy them as gifts for friends or relatives, and sometimes it's a question of face rather than taste. Still, what is inside matters as long as people continue to eat them? Therefore, manufacturers are supposed to make innovations to tempt the trendiest of taste buds.

Apart from this, the author also warns against the over packaging of moon cakes. Glamorous moon cake packs do nothing but raise prices and cause waste.

Staying on the moon cake theme, golden moon cakes have appeared on the market as souvenirs or gifts. One opinion from Sanqin Metropolitan News states that there are growing fears that with the advent of luxurious moon cakes, it is becoming a popular means for passing on bribes in the guise of seasonal gifts. The special moon cake makes the gifts 'heavier' and the recipients happier.

The author suggests that relative government department should keep track on these moon cakes so as to curb potential corruption.