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 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.

Abstract: A patch bag has a patch adhered to a bag, with a primary seal primary seal across an uncovered portion of the bag, and a supplemental seal inward of the primary seal. The supplemental seal reduces or eliminates an uncovered region between the primary seal and the patch, and prevents a product in the bag from contacting the primary seal. The patch bag is especially useful in the packaging of a bone-in meat product, especially ham, sparerib, picnic, back rib, short loin, short rib, whole turkey, pork loin.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oriented, heat shrinkable, thermoplastic vacuum bag having a protective heat shrinkable patch attached thereto such that said heat shrinkable patch covers substantially all area exposed to bone, thereby protecting the bag from puncture by sharp protruding bones in bone-in cuts of meat which are vacuum packaged within the bags. The protection is especially directed to prevention of bag puncture by, bone-in cuts of both fresh and smoked or processed meat. The bag produced by this method is also disclosed.