Keyword: degumming,phosphatides, gums, bleaching

Fats and oils contain complex organo-phosphorus compounds referred to as phosphatides or more usually, as gums. They are removed during processing by a variety of treatments collectively referred to as degumming. The treatment usually involves hydration with water, orthophosphoric acid, and polybasic organic acids either singly or in combination, followed by centrifuging the precipitated material or by its adsorption on bleaching earth or filter.