Abstract: A process for the production of a natural carotene rich refined and deodorized oil by subjecting the oil to a pressure of less than 0.060 mbar and to a temperature of less than 200° C., wherein the process includes distilling the oil in a short-path distiller at a temperature range between about 160° C. to about 290° C. and at pressures of 0.003 mbar to 0.08 mbar and removing free fatty acids (FFA) in the oil by condensation within the distiller. The FFA is removed by subjecting the mixture of the oil and the FFA to an internal condenser system operating at a temperature greater than the melting point of FFA in the oil. The process yields in refined, deodorized oil, in particular palm oil where the carotene and Vitamin E contained the feed oil is substantially retained in the processed oil.