But the claims have been challenged by a Hong Kong consumer,

putting the company on the defensive,

and at odds with a local bakery association.

Every product in the store carries the same pledge:

only natural yeast is used and no artificial ingredients are added.

But a Hong Kong netizen recently accused Top Pot Bakery of lying to its customers.

He said its breads are so fragrant, and their flavor lasts for so long,

that the company must be adding artificial flavorings to its items.

Top Pot Bakery responded quickly,

saying in a statement that the flavor extracts it uses are made from natural ingredients and are perfectly legal.

It also argued that similar flavorings are used by 95 percent of Taiwanese bakeries,

a claim that was quickly challenged by the head of Taipei’s Bakery Association.

Very few people making bread add flavor extracts.

About 90 percent don’t use them.

Most flavorings consist of artificial ingredients and are not 100 percent natural,

because natural flavors are extremely, extremely expensive.

Although using flavor extracts is not illegal,

Eating too much may create a health risk.

They can cause allergic reactions, shortness of breath,

or in the worst-case scenario, hurt one’s kidney functions.