MANILA, Philippines -- The Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) will conduct tests on Turkish flour, which is being used in baking bread such as pandesal.

This after reports came out that the flour contains “mycotoxins” and other attributes that cause cancer.

“It comes from fungi, it's a bacteria, which may be carcinogenic in the end,” said BFAD Director Nancy Tacondong.

Some bakers reportedly mix Turkish flour with other raw materials to save on baking costs. It is cheaper by P100 per sack compared to regular flour.

However, unlike bread items made from regular flour, those made from Turkish flour are reportedly yellowish and of poor quality.

Some traders admitted importing Turkish flour, but said they do not get frequent orders.

“Walang fixed na time na sinusunod [sa pag-import],” said Ernie Monzon, a flour importer and retailer. “Depende kung may gustong kumuha.”

Ban on Turkish flour proposed

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. has already called for a total ban on imports of Turkish flour based on reports that these may be unfit for human consumption.

The senator cited studies confirming that Turkish flour is contaminated with mycotoxins "known to exert toxic effect on human and animal health."

“The tests on Turkish flour conducted in 2007 by leading Turkish universities, including Istanbul University, showed that 81 percent of samples of flour taken were contaminated with OTA (Ochratoxin A),” the senator said in a statement.

"OTA in high levels could cause the increase of urethra, renal and pelvis tumors in the region in the region," Pimentel said, citing the study.

The alleged mycotoxin contamination of Turkish flour is allegedly due to humidity and temperature changes.

Bakery association opposes ban

However, the Filipino-Chinese Bakery Association opposed the ban.

Henry Ah said that authorities have yet to prove the carcinogenic attributes of Turkish flour.

"E ‘di namatay na ang lahat ng tao sa Turkey kung ganon. Bakit tayo natatakot?” said Ah.

He also said Turkish flour has helped stabilize bread prices.

“Dahil sa Turkey flour, hindi tumaas ang (presyo ng) local flour natin," said Ah.

The BFAD admitted that it can not yet issue a ban against the use of Turkish flour pending the results of their tests.

It would take the agency at least a week before it could issue a result.

Tacondong said that they will send out a warning and stoppage of the importation of Turkish flour if there are signs of contamination. With a report from Zen Hernandez, ABS-CBN News