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 the contaminants are less soluble in the solvent than in 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 effectively winterizes lipid compositions, thereby reducing
the tendency of such compositions to become hazy.