The device has a transport device (2) comprising a transport element (8), which is in contact with a region of a plastic preform (10) during transport over a contact surface (12). A treatment device (4) treats the preform in a preset manner and comprises a treatment element e.g. rectangular bar (6). The treatment element is partially in contact with a surface of the preform over another contact surface. The contact surfaces are formed as germ-killing surfaces and arranged in transport direction of the preform downstream with respect to a sterilization device (35). The transport element is formed as a gripping clamp, a welding tool and a sorting roller. The treatment element is selected from a group consisting of a blowing nozzle, a blow mold, a welding tool and a support ring. An independent claim is also included for a method for handling packages.
