Hydrogen peroxide treatment of groundnut meal dispersion or protein extract effectively destroyed any aflatoxin present in the meal. However, the protein isolated from this extract showed reduced nitrogen solubility in the pH range 2-6, increased apparent viscosity at neutral pH, and marked reduction in the content of methionine, cystine, and available lysine. Arachin isolated from the hydrogen peroxide treated protein did not differ in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and ultracentrifugation properties compared with untreated arachin.

A novel method has been developed for the removal of the thin, dark‐brown skin, called testa, from the palm kernel of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) by chemical treatment. Studies carried out for this purpose included physical or mechanical means, dry or wet heat, solvents and other chemicals. Of the procedures tried, treatment with hydrochloric acid (HCl) resulted in complete removal of the testa, producing a pearl‐white palm kernel. All other treatments were found to be ineffective. Based on our laboratory studies, semi‐large‐scale trials were made with 4N HCl for continuous dehulling of palm kernel in an abrasive peeling machine for the preparation of superiorgrade kernel flour and oil.

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