[Proteins from hydrocarbon fermentation].
The research work for the culture of yeasts on hydrocarbon substrates has started in 1959 at the research laboratory of Lavera in France, under Champagnat as leader. Its result is the construction and exploitation of 2 industrial plants in France and England, and a new big one is being built in Italy. The paper describes the various hydrocarbon substrates in use or proposed, and the two BP processes. It gives the main characteristics of the yeasts produced. It emphasizes the methods used for the evaluation of the yeasts both toxicologically and nutritionally by independent organizations of international level. A number of tables are given upon the nutritional performances of the yeasts on farm animals. Authorizations of use have been obtained from the hygiene authorities of the main European countries. The use for human consumption is now being considered.