In a web packaging machine (10) and method packaging a food product (P) between upper and lower webs (14 and 25), wherein the lower web (14) is transported through a series of stations which form the lower web (14) into a component of a package at a forming station (18), and receive the food product (P) at a loading station (20), and close the package with the upper web (25) at a closing station (26), a pasteurization station (300) is provided between the loading station (20) and the closing station (26) and pasteurizing the food product (P).
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/243,093, filed Sep. 13, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,843,043.
