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.