Abstract: The packaging of fresh fruit and vegetables is effected in a package at least part of which is made of a transparent film of a polymeric material. The film has a high rate of gas permeability and is impervious to the ingress of bacteria. As the fruit and vegetables continue to respire in the package an atmosphere is set up inside the package which serves to retard spoilage, mould growth and flavor deterioration, thereby providing the package with a longer shelf life than an open receptacle. The film is preferably polymethyl pentene and may form all the container or a lid to a rigid receptacle.