The Turkish Embassy in Manila expressed elation over the findings of the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which found that Turkish wheat flour is safe for human consumption.

“The Turkish embassy has the pleasure to announce to the Philippine public that the analysis of the Turkish wheat flour carried out by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from samples collected from various retailers proved that ‘Turkish flour are safe for human consumption,’” Turkey Ambassador to the Philippines Adnan Basaga said in a press statement Wednesday.

The Turkish embassy had already stressed earlier that wheat flour imported to the Philippines are safe for human consumption as a ban on Turkish wheat flour was being pushed by some quarters led by Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr. due to its alleged health and safety issues, particularly its alleged contamination and potential toxicity.

Imported Turkish flour is being used for making bread and noodles in the country and is said to be more affordable, particularly in comparison to US wheat flour.

In 2009, Turkish wheat flour accounted for 35 percent of Turkey’s exports. Turkey is the world’s ninth biggest wheat producer and second largest importer.

The International Grains Council estimates that Turkish wheat flour exports amounted to some 1.75 million tons in 2009.