Abstract: Sterol compounds, especially cholesterol, are removed from fluid mixtures by contacting the mixture with charcoal which has been activated by heating to at least 110.degree. C., and preferably about 130.degree. C., in a stream of an oxygen-containing gas, which can be air. More than 90 percent of the sterol compounds present in the fluid mixture can be removed. The charcoal also removes part of the saturated fatty acids (especially stearic acid), but does not remove a substantial proportion of any unsaturated fatty acids which may be present in the mixture. The process is especially useful for the removal of cholesterol and reduction of stearic acid from butter oil, which contains large amounts of both materials.