Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for severing severable wrappers or packages containing granular or powder-like matter and for separating the matter from the severable packages. The apparatus comprises a helical screw, made of band-shaped foil wound helicoidally around a shaft, which rotates within a channel equipped with an open top load end where the packages to be torn are placed. The helical screw conveys both severed packages as well as the matter to a separating apparatus comprised of a rotatable housing made of screening and placed adjacent thereto to effect complete separation.