Abstract: This invention is a method and device for treating beverages, particularly wine, with negative ions and thereby enhancing the flavor of the beverages. The invention is preferably a container designed to enclose the beverage where the inside of the container is coated with a substance (such as a powder) that emits or generates negative ions. The treatment process will take place over several hours to several days depending on the desired strength of the treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dual-ovenable food packaging, a method for packaging food and a method for cooking food. A dual-ovenable food packaging in accordance with the present invention may comprise: (a) a heat-resistant tray; (b) a non-venting plastic film overwrap, and (c) a food items. A method for packaging food may comprise the steps: (a) disposing a food item in a heat-resistant tray; (b) overwrapping the tray and food item with a non-venting plastic film overwrap; and (c) vacuum sealing the non-venting plastic film overwrap around the heat-resistant tray and food item. A method for cooking a food item may comprise the steps: (a) disposing a food item in a heat-resistant tray; (b) overwrapping the tray and food item with a plastic film; (c) vacuum sealing the plastic film around the heat-resistant tray and food item to create a sealed packaging; and (d) heating the sealed packaging with a heating device.

Abstract: A method of packaging and freezing food substance comprising shaping of a plate of unfrozen food substance and subsequent packaging and freezing of the unfrozen plate of food substance, and wherein a carton packaging is used for packaging the unfrozen plate of the food substance that comprises a substantially rectangular bottom panel with two opposed, long side panels and two opposed, short end panels and a substantially rectangular cover panel, wherein the cover panel and the bottom panel are preferably connected to each other via one of the short end panels; wherein the unfrozen plate of food substance is arranged directly on the bottom face of the carton packaging, following which the cover panel of the carton package is closed over the bottom panel, such that the unfrozen plate of food substance is enclosed completely by the bottom panel, cover panel and side panels of the carton packaging, and following which the carton packaging containing the unfrozen plate of food substance is arranged in a freezer wi

Abstract: The present invention relates to a closed cartridge (10), for extraction under pressure, comprising a dish (12) with a bottom (13 ) with a central part and a peripheral part and a side wall having substantially the shape of a frustum of a cone and a circular edge with a diameter greater at the bottom and a cover (15) welded to the periphery of the edge of the dish and the cover is intended to be torn only through the effect of the force of the extraction fluid when extraction starts, the cartridge comprising, in the dish at the level of the bottom, a fabric (16) guaranteeing retention of the solid substance when it is opened,in which the fabric guaranteeing retention of solid substance is a sheet of fabric sealed in the bottom of the dish in two zones, on the one hand in the central part (17) and on the other hand in the peripheral part (18) of the bottom (13).

Abstract: A package, which allows for butchering and packaging of fresh red meat at a centralized facility is provided which includes an impermeable tray supporting the product, a first film sealed to the tray for enclosing the product, a channel defined within the first film for exchanging gases into and out of the package, and a second impermeable film enclosing the first film, such that removal of the impermeable film provides for the exchange of gases into and out of the package. The channel for exchanging of gases may be perforations defined within the first film, a second highly permeable film sealed to the first film, or an enlarged opening formed within the first film, which is enclosed with a patch following adequate gas exchange at retail. Such gas exchange is required to release any low oxygen atmosphere and allow for the introduction of oxygen to the packaged meat product. The channel for exchanging gases having a gas transmission rate of at least about 50,000 cc/m2/24 hrs./atm. at 73° F.

Abstract: A party tray includes a support tray and, on the support tray, a sealed package made up of transparent container body and a polymeric sealing sheet sealed to the rim of the container body. The sealed package contains foodstuffs, in particular respiring foodstuffs such as fresh fruits and vegetables, which rest on the sealing sheet; the sealing sheet is in turn supported by the support tray. The sealed package may include an atmosphere control member. When the party tray is on display, its contents are viewed through the single thickness of the container body.

Abstract: The invention provides a food packaging system that preferably includes a system for facilitating progressive or incremental delivery of individual, single-serving hand-held food items to the consumer, along with a carton for containing a plurality of the food items and associated delivery systems. The packaging system provides protection for the food items during packaging, shipping handling, retail display and consumer use, and also makes them readily accessible to the consumer, without requiring direct manual contact with the food item. The packaging system preferably includes a separate disposable delivery system for each food item.

Abstract: Packaged food articles of improved appearance and stackability are described such as a refrigerated active cultured dairy product. Each packaged food article comprises an unpressurized, imperforate container having an opening, wherein the container is fabricated from a material having a low gas permeability. A quantity of gas releasing food stuff, such as a live cultured dairy product, is disposed within and partially fills the container defining a headspace volume which is not filled with the food stuff. A peelable flexible seal membrane overlays and seals the opening. An initial headspace gas is enriched with the gas released from the food stuff, with the initial headspace gas being adapted to permeate the packaging material at a rate greater than both the rate in which gas is released from the food stuff within the container and the rate in which air permeates into the container, thereby avoiding outward bowing of the flexible seal during the shelf life of the packaged food article.

Abstract: A plurality of flat rigid supports protect flat surfaces, flexible membranes protect contoured surfaces, and intersections of these rigid and flexible surfaces form joints that protect the corners and edges of cut seafood such that the physical shape of each packaged seafood segment resembles its freshly cut shape. Cut seafood surfaces, corners, and edges protected by this supporting means avoid contact with other surfaces that may disfigure their original cut appearance. This supporting means accommodates varying seafood fillet sizes and shapes, and minimizes the unused space within the packing unit. As a result, a substantial cost savings is realized by shipping seafood fillets with the weight and volume of non-edible portions of the whole fish removed prior to shipping without compromising the quality of the delivered product.

Abstract: A packaging machine is described. A plurality of working stations is arranged between the input side and output side of the machine. A conveyor moves packages carrying a product along a path from the input side to the output side through the working stations. A device feeds a cover film onto the packages. The cover film has two layers bonded together with a limited bonding strength. A first layer has a portion protruding beyond said second layer. Another device separates the first layer from the second layer in a defined region extending across the cover film transversely to the conveyor path. The separator seals the defined region of the cover film and supplies a pressurized fluid to said defined region. The defined region includes at least part of the protruding portion of the first layer. A method of using the packaging machine to package product also is described along with the package that is made.

Abstract: A package which allows for butchering and packaging of fresh red meat at a centralized facility is provided which includes a an impermeable tray supporting the product, a first film sealed to the tray for enclosing the product, means defined within the first film for exchanging gases into and out of the package, and a second impermeable film enclosing the first film, such that removal of said impermeable film provides for the exchange of gases into and out of the package. The means for exchanging gases may be perforations defined within the first film, a second highly permeable film sealed to the first film, or an enlarged opening formed within the first film which is enclosed with a patch following adequate gas exchange at retail. Such gas exchange is required to release any low oxygen atmosphere and allow for the introduction of oxygen to the packaged meat product, said means for exchanging gases having a gas transmission rate of at least about 50,000 cc/m2/24 hrs./atm. at 73° F.

Abstract: A thermoformable, puncture-resistant multi-layered film with surface slip, prepared by coextrusion and built up from polyolefin-based, polyamide-based and adhesion promoting polymer layers and its use for packaging sharp-edged goods, in particular foodstuffs.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a peeled and cooked shrimp product includes the steps of placing peeled raw shrimps side-by-side on a shape setting platter, covering the shrimps with a mesh, cooking the shrimps, removing the mesh from the cooked shrimps, covering the shrimps with a cover, turning assembly of the cover and the shape setting platter upside down, removing the shape setting platter, superimposing a packaging platter on the cover, and turning assembly of the cover and the packaging platter upside down.

Abstract: A tray-type package is disclosed which includes a polyester support member, a product contained on the support member, and a lidding film containing the product and sealed to the periphery of the support member, the lidding film including a sealant layer of a polyester copolymer having greater than about 50% by mole of glycol polymerization units. Preferably, the support member is a foamed or nonfoamed polyethylene terephthalate (PET) tray and the lidding film is a multilayer film which includes a glycol-modified PET sealant layer. Also disclosed is a lidding film having a sealant layer of a blend of a glycol-modified PET and at least one further polymeric component.

Abstract: A package for meat products includes a tray which has walls having at least one layer. The layer is provided with an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is for the placement of a product. The walls are made up of a base portion and side portions. The tray has a cover attached thereto. The tray has at least one venting means.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed package comprises an substantially rigid base(3; 22), preferably a tray, a product (2; 23) to be packaged, which in a preferred embodiment is higher than the tray side walls (5), supported on the tray (3; 22), and a stretch film (8; 15) welded to the substantially rigid base (3; 22) along a sealing line so as to form a hermetically sealed enclosure for the product. In a method and a machine for manufacturing a hermetically sealed package (1; 101) a stretch film (8; 15) is stretched by means of a stretching frame (17) against a base (3; 22) along a pressure line and is heat welded by means of a sealing frame (18) to the base (3; 22) along a sealing line so as to form a hermetically sealed enclosure for a product (2; 23). (FIG.

Abstract: A preferred storage container includes a base that defines an interior, and a lid that defines a reservoir. The lid is configured to engage the base so that food products placed within the interior may be retained therein. An absorbent material is arranged within the reservoir of the lid and is retained therein by a cover formed of liquid permeable material. The cover permits liquid exuded from the food products to enter the reservoir so that the absorbent material may absorb the liquid, such as when the storage container is inverted. Methods also are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for metering and dispensing a compressible confection comprises: at least one metering pump having an intake port and a discharge port; at least one internal bottom shutoff nozzle; at least one product line interconnecting the metering pump and the internal bottom shutoff nozzle; and a control mechanism for cyclically operating the at least one metering pump and operating the at least one internal bottom shutoff nozzle in synchronization with the metering pump such that generally constant pressure is maintained between the metering pump and the internal bottom shutoff nozzle.

Abstract: Methodology for packaging and packages for meat or other foodstuffs in a carbon dioxide rich low oxygen environment by including without the packages carbon dioxide generating material and oxygen removing material where the production of carbon dioxide is not dependent upon removal of oxygen.

Abstract: Packaging and processes for facilitating fast, efficient, and reliable production line packaging of products, and more particularly perishable products including meat products. Product trays according to the present invention are formed of non-foam plastic material with three dimensional structure and configuration that imparts an esthetically pleasing appearance and feel to the customer at the point of sale, as well as offering to the consumer a container that is microwavable, dishwasher safe and freezer safe in addition, if desired, to being recyclable. Such packaging and processes are particularly useful in newly emerging automated supply chains where inventory sales are tracked to support centralized processing of meat and other perishable products at centralized facilities for shipment to geographically distant points of sale.

Abstract: A dispenser for a granular foodstuff including web material, and a granular foodstuff removably adhered to at least one surface of the web material, whereby frictional engagement between two adjacent surfaces of the web material causes disengagement of the foodstuff from the web material and provides controlled dispensing thereof.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method and apparatus for packaging fruits or vegetables. The package comprises a reusable plastic food container, a lid for such container, and a layer of breathable transparent film. The container is placed on top of the lid, the fruits or vegetables are placed in the container, the assembly is wrapped with the transparent film, such that the edges overlap underneath the lid, and the overlapping edges of the film are heat sealed together. Once the package is unwrapped and the contents are used, the container can be used to store leftovers or other food products in a refrigerator, etc. The clear breathable transparent film allows prospective customers to clearly view the product inside. The film also allows ethylene and other gases emitted from the fruits or vegetables contained therein to escape, thereby maintaining freshness.

Abstract: A package for a product, including: a support member having a peripheral flange and a cavity for receiving a product; a permeable film partially sealed to said flange to enclose the product; at least one channel between the permeable film and and flange; and an impermeable film enclosing the permeable film and at least one channel, the impermeable film being removable from the package such that removal thereof allows gas to flow into and out of the cavity through the at least one channel. The channel may comprise one or more grooves in the flange; a nonsealable substance present between the permeable film and the flange; or at least one corona-treated area of the flange, the permeable film, or both.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer dessert having at least one heat-treated component, which comprises mousse, creme, jelly and/or sauce, where this component is coated with a continuous sterilized layer of fat coating or chocolate of a thickness between 0.1 and 3 mm, or in that these components (7, 8, 9) are separated by a continuous sterilized layer (10, 11) of fat coating or chocolate of a thickness between 0.1 and 3 mm, and in that the component or components have a Bostwick viscosity below 8 cm.

Abstract: A foam sheet comprising a cellular structure having two or more interconnected cells in fluid communication with one another, the foam sheet being in the form of a tray. One or more perforations are provided in the exterior surface of the tray, and extend into the cellular structure of the foam sheet to fluidly communicate with the interconnected cells. This arrangement is sufficient to permit gas to escape from the cellular structure in order to substantially prevent damage to the tray upon exposure thereof to a reduction in ambient pressure. A method of making the trays and a packaging method employing such trays is also disclosed.

Abstract: A microwavable food packaging system includes a tray formed from a base and a sidewall extending from the base which sidewall terminates in a free edge. The base and sidewall define an interior cavity. The free edge defines a tray opening. The base has a raised button extending into the cavity. A sleeve surrounds the tray. The sleeve includes a front panel having a display surface and is disposed adjacent to the tray opening and a rear panel disposed adjacent to the base. The sleeve adjacent to the base extends outwardly to form a leg upon which the sleeve and tray can be upstandingly placed. The tray is adapted to receive food pouches within the cavity. The raised button stabilizes the center of gravity of the food packaging system when the food packaging system is placed in an upstanding position on the leg. Advantageously, at least one food pouch disposed in the cavity.

Abstract: A dual-film package and method for making such package is disclosed which combines the manufacturing simplicity of a package having a single, peelable lid with the consistent peelability of a package having separate permeable and impermeable lids. This is accomplished by providing a support member and a lid having a gas-permeable film and a substantially gas-impermeable film. A first heat-weld bonds the gas-permeable film to the support member and a second heat-weld bonds the gas-impermeable film to the gas-permeable film. The first and second heat-welds each have a bond-strength which is greater than the intra-film cohesive strength of the gas-permeable film so that the lid preferentially delaminates within the gas-permeable film upon peeling, thereby leaving a portion of the gas-permeable film lidded to the support member.

Abstract: A new and improved bulk sandwich package and method of packaging and merchandising is provided. A plurality of sandwiches are individually wrapped in gas permeable wrap and then bulk packaged in a modified atmosphere process, refrigerated and distributed to store locations or merchandisers where the bulk packages are refrigerated until needed, opened and placed in a refrigerated merchandiser for sale. The refrigerated merchandiser therefore provides consumers with a deli-style sandwich in stores without kitchen facilities, and permits the self-service purchase of the pre-assembled sandwiches.

Abstract: The invention is a packaging system for refrigerated leavened compositions. The packaging system is easily opened by the end consumer and yet is capable of sustaining a desired environment within the package during the storage life of the composition. The invention includes a method for determining package seal strength for a refrigerated leavened composition. The system provides an environment within the package such that the composition attains a desired specific volume upon baking or cooking. The method includes the process of determining the specific volume required for the refrigerated leavened composition after baking, determining internal equilibrium pressure required to attain the specific volume after baking, determining the package dimension subject to the internal equilibrium pressure, and defining the pressure holding capacity required to maintain this pressure during the storage life of the refrigerated composition.

Abstract: A packaging system and method utilizes a modified atmosphere package including a first package and a second package. The first package includes a non-barrier portion substantially permeable to oxygen, while the second package is substantially impermeable to oxygen. After a food product such as raw meat is placed within the first package, the first package is sealed and then inserted into the second package without sealing the second package so as to create a pocket between the first and second packages. The system and method first employ an oxygen reduction technique such as evacuation, gas flushing, and/or scavenging to quickly reduce the oxygen level in the pocket to a first non-zero level, and then employ an activated oxygen scavenger to further reduce the oxygen level to zero percent after the package is sealed. The oxygen scavenger is activated with an oxygen uptake accelerator to increase the rate at which the oxygen is absorbed.

Abstract: A meat packaging apparatus includes a tray containing a modified atmosphere and meat product, a film sealed to the tray and including an opening, and a two-piece label attached to the film and covering the opening. The two-piece label including a first layer removably attached to a second layer, which is attached to the film. The second layer is made of a highly oxygen permeable material to allow oxygen to enter the tray when the top layer is removed.

Abstract: A package for storing oxygen-sensitive goods (such as meat) which contains a gas impermeable tray wrapped in a gas permeable film, a barrier bag within which the wrapped tray is disposed, a closure for closing an open end of the barrier bag, and two one-way valves. One of the one-way valves is located on the inside of one side of the barrier bag, and the other of the one-way valves is located on the outside of the other side of the barrier bag.

Abstract: A storage container (12) includes, in some embodiments, a tray insert (10) having a base (14) and side walls (16) which define a reservoir (18) for retaining fluids exuded from stored food. The base (14) of the tray insert (10) substantially conforms to the bottom of the storage container (12) into which the tray insert (10) is placed and the upper edge (28) of the side walls (16) substantially conforms to the interior side wall of the storage container (12). A series of ribs (20) and optional rib segments (25) extend upwardly from the base (14) of the tray insert (10), with the ribs (20 and 25) and the upper edge (28) of the side walls (16) supporting a cover (26) formed of liquid permeable sheet material so that the cover (26) supports food which has been placed into the storage container (12).

Abstract: Meat products such as poultry parts are injected with a base marinade or a base marinade massaged into the meat, the base marinade contains less than the total amount of seasoning desired in the meat product. The injected meat product is then placed upon a packaging material such as a tray previously coated with a seasoning layer and the meat product is then coated with another seasoning layer before being sealed in the packaging material so that the balance of the seasoning is supplied from the seasoning layers.

Abstract: Packaging for food products is provided which combines a flexible pouch within a stand-up tent-style carton which effects display of the product in an upright orientation within a divided merchandiser. The carton has a non-uniform width. The bottom portion of the carton is narrower than the top portion of the carton, as a result of which the carton, and thus the entire package, complies with a very strict display face dimension limit of the merchandiser.

Abstract: A packaging system and method utilizes a modified atmosphere package including a first package and a second package. The first package includes a non-barrier portion substantially permeable to oxygen, while the second package is substantially impermeable to oxygen. After a food product such as raw meat is placed within the first package, the first package is sealed and then inserted into the second package without sealing the second package so as to create a pocket between the first and second packages. The system and method first employ an oxygen reduction technique such as evacuation, gas flushing, and/or scavenging to quickly reduce the oxygen level in the pocket to a first non-zero level, and then employ an activated oxygen scavenger to further reduce the oxygen level to zero percent after the package is sealed. The oxygen scavenger is activated with an oxygen uptake accelerator to increase the rate at which the oxygen is absorbed.

Abstract: A method of measuring out and/or forming foodstuffs to impart a shape to the foodstuff with compromising the rheological and organoleptic properties, foodstuffs formed by this method, and packaging for foodstuffs formed by the method of the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, a foodstuff comprising fish flesh is measured into a receptacle which is sufficiently rigid to impart a desired shape to the foodstuff. In a preferred embodiment, the foodstuff comprises fish flesh, in particular the flesh of fish proper and/or of shellfish.

Abstract: A new and improved biscuit sandwich and method of packaging and merchandising is provided. A biscuit with high fat content of about 20% by weight is individually wrapped in the form of a biscuit sandwich packaged in a modified atmosphere process, refrigerated and distributed to store locations where it can be reheated and placed in a heated merchandiser for sale. The heated merchandiser therefore provides consumers with a home-style biscuit sandwich in stores without cooking facilities, and permits the self-service purchase of the pre-cooked and reheated biscuit sandwiches.

Abstract: The combination of a substantially gas impermeable container and a dry pet food of high soluble fiber content that has a water activity within the range of 0.5 to 0.8. The result is long lasting, highly nutritious dog food that can be substantially free of added preservatives, antimycotics, and other unnatural chemicals.

Abstract: A package is capable of enclosing a food product in two different gaseous atmospheres at different times. Initially, the food product may be packaged in a low oxygen atmosphere in order to prolong the shelf life of the product. When it is time to sell the product for example, it may be desirable to supply oxygen to the food product. In the case of red meats, the oxygenation process causes the meat to turn a bright red color. The package includes a tray covered by a film with a plurality of apertures formed in the tray. The package may be maintained at a pressure below atmospheric pressure. The apertures are covered by a bacterial barrier layer covered by resealable tape which can be removed to allow air ingress and then resealed to protect the integrity of the tray contents.

Abstract: A packaging method and apparatus perform the steps of:a. providing a film including a first film component peelably adhered to a second film component;b. providing a support member for supporting a product thereon;c. forming a seal between the second film component and the support member, the seal extending around the product to define a sealed enclosure for the product between the film and the support member;d. separating the first film component from the second film component within a predetermined region of the film located outside of the sealed enclosure; ande. severing the film within the predetermined, separated region to form an edge on the first film component within the separated region, thereby providing a tab for peeling the first film component from the second film component.

Abstract: A laminate comprising two or more films, at least one of the films being a coextruded, multilayer film, wherein the laminate delaminates within the coextruded, multilayer film when the laminate is subjected to a peel force ranging from 0.001 to 2.5 pounds per inch. The laminate advantageously provides the lid for a package and delaminates into a substantially gas-impermeable portion and a gas-permeable portion, with the gas-permeable portion being bonded directly to a product support member of the package. In this manner, the gas-impermeable portion may be peelably removed from the package to allow atmospheric oxygen to enter the interior of the package.

Abstract: A package which allows for butchering and packaging of a fresh red meat product at a centralized facility is provided. The package includes a support member which contains the product; a first, preferably permeable film sealed to the support member for enclosing the product; a second, preferably impermeable film enclosing the first film and removably secured to the package; and labeling means including a label removably affixed to an outer surface of the support member. Upon removal of the second film, the label may be removed from the outer surface of the support member and adhered to the first film, thereby providing a package labeled with individualized information relating to the particular product.

Abstract: A container comprises a tray-shaped bottom part (1) with an opening covered by a cover part. The cover part is sealed to the bottom part along a circumferential rim (10) thereof to form a sealed compartment. The cover part comprises a first cover sheet (2) sealed to the bottom part (1) along a portion (11) of the rim (10) thereof, and a second cover sheet (3) peelably sealed to the first cover sheet (2) and to the bottom part (1) along the remaining portion (12) of the rim (10) thereof. The resulting container is easy to open and to handle without risk of spilling the contents thereof.

Abstract: A system for packaging of perishable food products involves initially packaging the food product in a receptacle containing an inert gas atmosphere and sealing a film to the receptacle. The inert gas atmosphere prevents deterioration of the food product subsequent to shipment from a central processing facility. The receptacle includes a sealing flange and a tab portion extending from the sealing flange, to which the film is sealed. To prepare the food product for display at a retail establishment, the tab and the film sealed thereto are removed from the package, to form an opening between the film and the receptacle. An atmosphere exchange operation is carried out through the opening, by inserting a nozzle through the opening and introducing an oxygen-containing gas into the receptacle cavity through the opening. The inert gas atmosphere initially contained within the receptacle is exhausted through the opening.

Abstract: A modified atmosphere packaging method creates a modified atmosphere in a package including an inner package and an outer package. The inner package is composed at least partially of a polymeric material substantially permeable to oxygen, while the outer package is composed of a polymeric material substantially impermeable to oxygen. After a food product such as raw meat is placed within the inner package, the inner package is flushed with a desired mixture of gases to substantially remove oxygen from the inner package. The flushed inner package is then sealed and inserted into the outer package without sealing the outer package. Next, the outer package is flushed with the desired mixture of gases to substantially remove oxygen from the outer package. After flushing the outer package, the outer package is sealed. An oxygen scavenger is provided in the package to substantially absorb any residual oxygen within the package.

Abstract: A method of packaging perishable foods wherein the perishable food product is packed in a plurality of cartons and the cartons are stacked on a pallet for storage and/or transportation, including placing a sheet of material on a pallet to provide a bottom sheet, with the bottom sheet overhanging the sides of the pallet, stacking a plurality of cartons on the bottom sheet on the pallet to form a carton stack, covering the top and sides of the carton stack with a bag of a gas permeable material, the bag having a closed top and an open bottom with a lower edge, sealing the edges of the bottom sheet to the lower edge of the bag, introducing a quantity of nitrogen gas through an opening into the interior of the bag without withdrawing any gas from the bag, and sealing the opening to retain the nitrogen within the bag, and apparatus for packaging such perishable products. Preferably the gas permeable material is a selective permeable material which is more permeable to oxygen than to nitrogen.

Abstract: The present invention has several aspects. One aspect relates to a method of wrapping a package containing a food product which is attractive and serves to present the food product in an appealing setting. The package includes a preformed tray and a heat sensitive transparent film sheet which is attached at at least one attachment region to the tray without wrinkles in the film sheet. A packaging machine, a cutting and heating assembly and the package itself comprise the other aspects of the invention. In each case, the transparent film sheet is wrinkle free.

Abstract: A package comprising a product support member, an O.sub.2 -permeable film over the product support member, and an O.sub.2 -impermeable film over the O.sub.2 -permeable film and in close proximity to the O.sub.2 -impermeable film, has an O.sub.2 -permeable region between the O.sub.2 -permeable film and the O.sub.2 -impermeable film. The O.sub.2 -impermeable film bounds at least a portion of an confined-O.sub.2 volume within the package. The confined-O.sub.2 volume comprises a gas comprising an amount of gaseous oxygen effective to inhibit discoloration of the product.

Abstract: A case-ready package and method of reducing discoloration in meat or poultry products enclosed within such packages when the packages are disposed in a stack of two or more packages. A non-textured and substantially smooth gas-permeable substrate is attached to the lower surface of the packages to allow air to flow into an underlying package in a stack of packages, thereby preventing or minimizing premature discoloration of packaged fresh meat or poultry product due to insufficient oxygen flow into such packages when disposed in a stack. In addition, the substrate may contain printed product indicia either directly or in the form of a label attached thereto.