The decolorisation of rape-seed oils by a recently discovered Tunisian bentonite was tested. It is proved that this clay has a valuable high decolorizing power after appropriate activation by acids. We have tried to relate the adsorption of a model colored molecule (β-carotene) with the modified surface properties of the activated clay. The results of this study show that only a few strong acidic sites due to activation are responsible for the partial removal of the pigments coloring the oils.