Melibiases is an older alternative name for alpha-galactosidases, a group of enzymes that split alpha-galactoside linkages in sugars such as melibiose and raffinose. These enzymes are relevant in food processing because the raffinose-type oligosaccharides in legumes, soy products, and some grains are poorly digested by humans and cause flatulence; treatment with alpha-galactosidase preparations breaks them down into digestible sugars. The enzymes are also used in sugar refining to remove raffinose from beet-sugar process streams, in animal feed manufacture to improve nutrient availability, and in research on enzyme-catalyzed modification of carbohydrates. Commercial preparations are produced by controlled fermentation and standardized for activity before sale.