Abstract: A machine and method for evacuating sealed packages formed from flexible sheet material and for flushing or filling, as required, the evacuated package with an inert gas. The product enclosed within the package is preferably a food product such as luncheon meats, sausage, cheese, or the like. In constructing the package, one or more spaced apart apertures are formed in one sheet and a slit is formed in the other sheet so that preferably the slit will be on the opposite side of the package from the apertures. An initial peripheral seal is made between the two sheets to enclose the slit, apertures and product. The package is then evacuated through the slit with the sheets being separated and then the slit is sealed and gas introduced through the apertures, or, for a gas flushed package, the slit may be sealed after gas is introduced. Next the apertures are sealed thus forming a gas flushed or filled package.