In this discussion, emphasis will be placed on desirable quality and sanitary characteristics of cottonseed protein products whose processing is feasible in developing countries, following good food manufacturing practices, and using indigenous technologies and oilseed processing facilities frequently available in their cotton-producing regions. Cleanliness is mandatory during processing of kernels for oil to allow production of edible-grade meal. Minimization of heat, moisture, and processing time is essential to maintain protein quality and a free gossypol content of not more than 0.045 per cent in the meal. The total gossypol should occur in the seed as free gossypol i.e., the seed should not be subjected to conditions before processing that cause gossypol to bind to Iysine. Solvents and lubricante should be food-grade.
Hexane is preferred as the solvent.
Benzene or chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents should not be used. This crop should be grown separately to prevent cross-pollination with glanded varieties. The following product characteristics are recommended for edible cottonseed products. Organism Total plate count of cottonseed product Viable organisms, max. This analysis indicates relative contamination with extraneous minerals originating from sand and dirt.