The invention relates to a process for the preparation of water-soluble chitosan salts, to chitosan products produced by this process and to their uses, e.g. in pharmaceutical or veterinary compositions or as a food or cosmetic additive. More specifically, the invention relates to a process for preparing a water-soluble chitosan salt which comprises: (a) contacting a solid chitosan with at least one protic acid whereby to produce a water-soluble chitosan salt; and (b) optionally recovering said salt, wherein said chitosan is converted into said salt whilst remaining substantially in the solid state. Gaseous or liquid protic acids may be used, including hydrochloric, acetic and propionic acids.