Abstract: The automatic filling and packaging of foodstuffs under aseptic to low-bacterial count conditions is accomplished by disinfecting a packaging material for at least one second by means of high-intensity ultraviolet radiation, generated by a high-current, low-pressure mercury discharge with a current density of more than 1 A/cm.sup.2 and a mercury pressure of 5.times.10.sup.-3 to 5.times.10.sup.-1 Torr, wherein the spectral radiation intensity of the 253.7 nm line of the ultraviolet radiation UV on the packaging material 1, 2, 3 is set to at least 0.05 W/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: A method of aseptically packaging pre-sterilized foodstuffs is described. The method used `dry` radiation methods for sterilizing packaging material in an aseptic workspace either before or after construction of the container as such. The internal surfaces of the packaging material supplied to the workspace are coated with a radiation resistant lacquer. After sterilization the containers are filled with food such as milk or yoghurt and heat sealed.