The oil palm industry plays an important role in the Malaysian economy in terms of employment and foreign exchange earnings. As the worldís largest producer of palm oil, Malaysia contributes more than 50% of global palm oil production. The palm oil processing industry, involving the processes of refining and fractionation, alone or in combination, is well developed in Malaysia. Most of the crude palm oil produced is processed locally for exports to overseas markets, mainly for foods applications. A by-product, known as palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) is generated at the deacidification-deodorization stage of the refining process. Crude palm oil contains non-glyceride minor components which have been associated with health benefits, some of which are distilled off together with the free fatty acids to become part and parcel of the PFAD. The significance and potential of nutritionally useful palm-based compounds, falling into the category of phytochemicals in value-added applications, particularly in the nutraceuticals industry, has prompted research and development (R&D) in related areas.