A process for the sterilization of hermetically sealed containers containing a liquid to be sterilized, comprising transport of the containers to a treatment zone where the containers are immersed in a flux of external fluid, the heating in volume of the liquid to be sterilized by electromagnetic waves at a rate greater than 28° C. per second to a treatment temperature T of between 20° C. and 66° C., agitation of the container during heating of the liquid, and dependant on the value of the treatment temperature T, exposure of the liquid to an alternating electric field in pulses immediately or slightly after heating of the liquid.
