From: DOH WebPage
Press Release/6 April 2010
The Department of Health (DOH) disclosed today that samples of flour imported from Turkey are undergoing stringent analysis by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) following media reports that these are potentially harmful to the health of consumers.
It was recently reported that substandard flour from Turkey that contain toxic substances are being dumped in the Philippines and used to make food products such as noodles and bread.
The DOH, through the FDA’s Laboratory Services Division, immediately moved to test samples for the presence of mycotoxins, particularly Ochratoxin A and Aflatoxin, using the Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain species of fungi.
Six samples from Central Visayas and the National Capital Region were collected from March 9-22 and underwent laboratory analysis on March 27. Five of the flour samples were imported from Turkey, while one was from a local source. Initial results revealed that none of the samples had concentrations of Ochratoxin A and Aflatoxin above the allowable limit. Despite these initial findings however, the FDA will conduct more thorough tests using the High Performance Liquid Chromatography Method (HPLC) the results of which will be released soon.
Meanwhile, representatives from manufacturers of Turkish flour being imported into the Philippines arrived in the country on March 26 to assure FDA officials that their products are fit for human consumption. The manufacturers also promised to submit a special certification from the Turkish government that their flour is safe, adding that Turkish flour is routinely tested for the presence of toxic substances by the Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs before being exported to other countries.
“We would like reassure the public that the DOH is on top of the situation”, said Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral. “If and when it is proven that Turkish flour is indeed unsafe, they can expect us to take immediate and decisive action”, she further added.
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