The invention pertains to a process for the regeneration and recovery of periodate from a spent iodate solution, by reacting the iodate with at least an equimolar amount of hypohalite, and carrying out the recovery in the presence of a water-miscible organic solvent or potassium ions or divalent metal (especially calcium) ions. The regenerated periodate is especially suitable for oxidising carbohydrates to dialdehyde carbohydrates.