A filter candle (1, 1', 1", 1''') to separate contaminants from a plastic melt, having at least one filter element (6, 6', 6") through which a melt flow can be directed and which is set up to retain contaminants contained in the melt flow and a supporting body (2, 2', 2") to support the filter element (6, 6', 6"), in the form of a hollow body which has a wall region having multiple passages for the melt flow. At least one additional supporting body (4, 4', 4") is associated with the filter element (6, 6', 6") on the side of said filter element that faces away from the supporting body (2, 2', 2"), which supporting body (4, 4', 4") is set up to act on surface regions of the filter element (6, 6', 6") and/or to accommodate them such that the filter element (6, 6', 6") can be backwashed.
