Abstract: A screen basket is provided for sterilizing containers, having a bottom with openings therein. Holding elements are fixed on the bottom, each having an extension which extends through at least one opening of the bottom. A releasable fixing member provided for each extension is placed on the underside of the bottom, to facilitate the installation and removal of the holding elements. Each extension has at least one recess on a side surface thereof. The fixing members carry a detent element which engages the recess in the corresponding extension. The detent element is held on the fixing member for removal from the recess by elastic deformation.