The invention relates to a method for treating and distributing foodstuffs, in particular meat or sausage products, the foodstuffs being enveloped by a packaging material or introduced into a packaging material. According to the invention, the foodstuff contained in and provided with the packaging is subjected to a targeted treatment in order to inactivate micro-organisms for the purposes of microbe reduction and a protective coating is applied to the packaging immediately afterwards or during this treatment.
