A process for purifying a lipid composition having predominantly neutral
lipid components having at least one long chain polyunsaturated fatty
acid is disclosed. The process employs contacting the lipid composition
with a polar solvent, such as acetone, wherein the solvent is selected
such that contaminants are less soluble in the solvent than is the long
chain polyunsaturated fatty acid. The process is typically conducted at
cooler temperatures, including about 0.degree. C. Upon precipitation of
the contaminants from the lipid composition, a separation is conducted to
remove the precipitated material from the lipid composition. The long
chain polyunsaturated fatty acids can include ARA, DPA, EPA, and/or DHA.
The process of the present invention effectively winterizes lipid
compositions, thereby reducing the tendency of such compositions to
become hazy.