A Complete Look at the RJS Production Process: From Raw Material to Finished Oil

What happens before a bottle of cold-pressed oil reaches your kitchen?

The process begins long before the oil is packed. It starts with selecting suitable raw materials and continues through inspection, cleaning, mechanical extraction, settling, quality checks, packaging and storage.

At RJS Healthy Foods, we believe customers should understand how their cooking oil is produced and why each stage matters.

In this guide, we'll take a closer look at the RJS production process, explain the purpose of each stage and show how the journey from raw material to finished oil comes together.

1. Raw-Material Selection: Where the Process Begins

Good production begins with suitable raw materials.

For cold-pressed oils, the quality and condition of the seeds, nuts or dried coconut material can influence processing performance and the characteristics of the finished oil.

At RJS, raw-material assessment begins with examining the material received and determining whether it is suitable for the intended production process.

The assessment may consider:

• General condition and appearance.

• Visible stones, soil and other foreign matter.

• Moisture levels.

• Signs of deterioration or unsuitable storage.

• Suitability for the intended oil product.

The exact checks depend on the raw material and the requirements of the product.

Why this stage matters: Raw-material selection establishes the starting point for the entire production process.

2. Raw-Material Sampling and Assessment

Inspecting a few visible portions of a batch may not reveal every issue. Sampling can provide a more representative picture of the material being considered for production.

RJS has described an approach that includes collecting samples from multiple bags in a lot and preparing representative samples for assessment.

For relevant batches, this process may include:

1. Identifying the lot to be assessed.

2. Collecting samples from approximately four to five bags.

3. Preparing a representative sample.

4. Checking moisture and visible impurities.

5. Arranging laboratory testing where required.

For certain batches, the described workflow includes preparing a representative sample of approximately 15 kg and a ground sample of approximately 5 kg for laboratory analysis. The exact sample quantities and testing requirements depend on the batch and testing plan.

Where laboratory analysis is used, reports may take around seven to ten days, depending on the laboratory and tests requested.

Laboratory reports provide information about the specific parameters tested. They do not automatically certify every characteristic of the raw material or finished oil.

Why this stage matters: Appropriate sampling and testing help support informed decisions about raw-material suitability.

3. Moisture Management Before Production

Moisture is an important consideration when handling groundnuts, sesame seeds and copra.

Unsuitable moisture levels can affect raw-material condition, storage stability and processing performance.

RJS has previously described the following working moisture ranges for its raw materials:

Raw material	RJS working moisture range
Groundnuts	Approximately 6–8%
Sesame seeds	Approximately 4–6%
Copra	Approximately 5–7%

These are RJS working targets, not universal requirements for every oil manufacturer. Actual decisions depend on the material's condition, measurement method and applicable requirements.

Moisture measurement is only one part of the assessment. It should be considered alongside other relevant quality checks.

Why this stage matters: Appropriate moisture management supports raw-material handling and helps maintain consistency during production.

4. Cleaning and Preparation

Before extraction, raw materials need suitable preparation.

Seeds and nuts may contain stones, soil and other foreign matter from harvesting, transportation or storage.

Cleaning helps remove unwanted material before the raw ingredients enter the extraction process.

At RJS, the described preparation approach includes checking moisture and manually separating visible stones and soil where applicable.

The specific cleaning procedure depends on the raw material and its condition.

Preparation may also involve handling the material appropriately for the equipment and production requirements.

Why this stage matters: Cleaning helps reduce avoidable contamination and supports appropriate production practices.

5. Mechanical Extraction: Turning Raw Material Into Oil

Once the raw material has been prepared, the next stage is mechanical extraction.

In mechanical pressing, pressure is applied to the prepared material to release the oil.

The characteristics of the extraction process can influence the oil's aroma, flavour, colour and other physical properties.

RJS has described its pressing process as being managed below approximately 50°C. This is a process target, not a universal definition of cold pressing or a guarantee of every quality attribute.

Actual temperatures can vary depending on the equipment, operating conditions and measurement point.

The aim is to carry out the extraction under the intended operating conditions while producing the required oil.

Why this stage matters: Mechanical extraction is the central production stage in which the oil is separated from the raw material.

6. Different Raw Materials, Different Oils

Although the overall production sequence may be similar, each raw material has its own characteristics.

Groundnut oil

Groundnuts are assessed and prepared before mechanical extraction. The condition of the nuts and the processing conditions can influence the characteristics of the resulting oil.

Sesame oil

Sesame seeds are prepared before pressing. RJS has described using a blend of red, white and black sesame seeds sourced from Cauvery Delta farmers for its sesame-oil production. The exact raw-material composition should be confirmed against the current product specification.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil production depends on the coconut material used. The preparation and extraction process can differ depending on whether the manufacturer uses copra or another suitable coconut-processing method.

Castor oil

Castor oil is produced from castor seeds using an appropriate extraction process. Its intended use and the specifications required of the finished product must be considered separately from those of edible cooking oils.

The general principle is that each raw material requires a process suited to its characteristics and intended product.

7. Settling After Extraction

After mechanical extraction, oil may contain suspended particles from the raw material.

Settling allows heavier particles to move towards the bottom when the oil remains undisturbed.

RJS has described using sunlight settling for approximately seven to fourteen days, depending on the product and production conditions, as part of its oil-handling approach.

The actual time required can vary with the oil, particle size, temperature and other conditions.

Settling is different from filtration. Settling relies on particles separating under gravity, while filtration uses a suitable medium to retain particles as oil passes through it.

Settling can help improve visible clarity, but it does not independently establish purity, authenticity or food safety.

Why this stage matters: Appropriate post-extraction handling helps manage suspended material before the next production stage.

8. Quality Checks: Looking Beyond Appearance

The colour and clarity of oil can vary naturally with the raw material and manufacturing process.

However, appearance alone cannot establish overall quality.

Relevant quality checks should be selected according to the product and applicable requirements.

Depending on the product and the manufacturer's procedures, checks may consider:

• Product identity.

• Appearance and visible foreign matter.

• Aroma and other sensory characteristics.

• Relevant laboratory parameters.

• Batch and production records.

• Packaging readiness.

Different checks answer different questions. For example, an acceptable appearance cannot by itself confirm the absence of contaminants or establish the oil's chemical composition.

Where laboratory testing is required, the testing plan should identify the parameters to be assessed and the appropriate sampling method.

Why this stage matters: Using relevant checks together provides a more complete assessment than relying on a single visual characteristic.

9. Packing the Finished Oil

After the relevant production and quality-control steps are completed, the oil is prepared for packing.

Packaging should be suitable for the particular oil and its intended storage conditions.

The packing stage involves considerations such as:

• Using suitable food-contact containers.

• Maintaining clean handling practices.

• Filling to the intended quantity.

• Closing containers securely.

• Checking for leakage or visible damage.

• Applying the required product and batch information.

The precise packaging method depends on the product and pack size.

Suitable packaging helps protect the oil during storage and transportation, but it cannot correct an issue that occurred earlier in production.

Why this stage matters: Packing helps protect the finished product and makes it practical to store, transport and use.

10. Storage and Handling of Finished Oil

The production journey does not end when the oil enters a container.

Finished oil needs suitable storage and handling before dispatch and delivery.

Exposure to excessive heat, direct sunlight and oxygen over time can contribute to deterioration.

Appropriate storage practices include:

• Keeping oil away from direct sunlight.

• Avoiding excessive heat.

• Using suitable, properly closed containers.

• Maintaining clean handling and storage areas.

• Following product-specific storage instructions.

• Keeping relevant batch and date information available.

At home, customers can help maintain oil quality by closing containers after use and storing them away from the cooking stove and direct sunlight.

Why this stage matters: Proper storage helps reduce avoidable quality deterioration during the product's intended shelf life.

11. Batch Identification and Traceability

Batch information helps connect a finished product with relevant production and quality records.

When a product concern arises, traceability can help the manufacturer review the information available for the affected batch.

Depending on the manufacturer's system, relevant records may include:

• Raw-material lot details.

• Sampling and laboratory records.

• Production dates.

• Processing information.

• Quality-check records.

• Packing details.

• Dispatch information.

Traceability works best when records are accurate, complete and maintained consistently.

Why this stage matters: Good records support product monitoring and help investigate concerns more effectively.

12. From Raw Material to Finished Bottle: The RJS Process

The complete production journey can be summarised as follows:

Raw-Material Selection

↓

Sampling and Assessment

↓

Moisture Management

↓

Cleaning and Preparation

↓

Mechanical Extraction

↓

Settling and Applicable Post-Extraction Handling

↓

Relevant Quality Checks

↓

Packing and Labelling

↓

Storage and Dispatch

The exact sequence and controls can vary according to the oil and its production requirements.

Each stage contributes to the overall process. No single step can guarantee every aspect of finished-product quality.

13. What Makes a Responsible Oil Production Process?

A responsible production process involves more than operating extraction machinery.

It requires attention to the raw materials, suitable handling procedures, relevant checks, packaging and storage.

For customers evaluating a cooking-oil brand, useful questions include:

• What raw materials are used?

• How are they assessed before production?

• How is the oil extracted?

• What post-extraction handling is performed?

• Which quality checks are relevant to the product?

• How is the finished oil packed?

• What information is provided on the label?

• How should the oil be stored?

Clear answers to these questions help customers understand the manufacturing process without relying on marketing claims alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does RJS produce cold-pressed oil?

RJS's described process includes raw-material selection, sampling and assessment, moisture management, cleaning, mechanical extraction, settling, relevant quality checks, packing and storage.

What temperature does RJS use during pressing?

RJS has described managing its pressing process below approximately 50°C. This is a stated process target; actual conditions and measurement points should be confirmed for the specific product and current production procedure.

Why does RJS allow oil to settle?

Settling allows suspended particles to move towards the bottom when the oil remains undisturbed. It helps manage visible particles but does not replace other quality checks.

How long does RJS settle its oil?

RJS has described a sunlight-settling period of approximately seven to fourteen days, depending on the product and production conditions.

Does cold-pressed oil always look cloudy?

No. Clarity varies according to the oil, raw material, processing and handling. Cloudiness alone does not prove that an oil is pure or poor quality.

Does laboratory testing guarantee oil quality?

No single laboratory report guarantees every aspect of quality. Results apply to the sample and parameters tested. Appropriate manufacturing controls, sampling, hygiene, packaging and storage also matter.

How can customers store RJS oil properly?

Keep the container closed, away from direct sunlight and excessive heat, and follow the storage instructions on the product label.

Explore RJS Healthy Foods

At RJS Healthy Foods, we believe that customers should understand the journey from raw material to finished product.

Our approach focuses on suitable raw materials, mechanical extraction, appropriate post-extraction handling, relevant quality checks and careful packing.

We believe transparency about the production process helps customers make more informed decisions.

RJS — Trusted Healthy Food Brand

The Beginning of Health

Explore our oils and traditional food products at the RJS Healthy Foods official website.

Final Takeaway

The production of cold-pressed oil involves several connected stages.

It begins with raw-material selection and preparation, continues through mechanical extraction and post-extraction handling, and concludes with relevant quality checks, packaging and storage.

Every stage has a purpose, and each must be handled appropriately for the product being made.

From raw material to finished bottle, understanding the process is an important part of understanding the product.