Have you ever wondered whether a mantou - Chinese steamed bun - should be round or square?
It may sound like a silly question, but it has sparked a huge controversy on the mainland.
The storm was touched off by reports that all mantou would have to be round or oval, under a set of production standards that came into effect on Tuesday.
The guidelines were issued by the Standardisation Administration and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine. The State Grain Administration is responsible for their implementation.
With the controversy showing no sign of abating, the Standardisation Administration stepped in yesterday to clarify the situation. It denied all mantou must be a standard shape, calling the guidelines a 'reference'.
An official with the administration said the guidelines were 'merely recommended criteria for making mantou and do not have any legal obligations'.