The present invention provides a process for the removal of cholesterol and/or cholesterol esters from foodstuffs by extraction with compressed carbon dioxide, whereina) the cholesterol-containing extraction material is treated with compressed carbon dioxide at a pressure above 100 bar and at a temperature of from 10.degree. to 90.degree. C.,b) from the carbon dioxide stream loaded with cholesterol and/or cholesterol esters, as well as with further lipophilic components, the cholesterol components are selectively removed by adsorption on a solid adsorption agent or by adduct formation andc) at least a part of the carbon dioxide current substantially free from cholesterol components is again passed over the treated extraction material and/or used for the extraction of untreated, cholesterol-containing extraction material.