A container closure comprises an annular region forming a counterface against which a gas permeable, liquid impermeable sealing element may be applied so as to urge the sealing element into sealing engagement with the rim of a container opening. The annular region comprises a gas pathway from an interior space opposite the container opening to the exterior of the annular region. The gas pathway may be of closed cross-section extending through the annular region. Alternatively the gas pathway may be of open-sided cross-section and provided in the counterface. Yet alternatively the annular region may comprise a washer, with the gas pathway provided at least partly in the washer and/or at least partly in the remainder of the annular region. A gas permeable, liquid impermeable sealing foil for bonding to a container rim is also disclosed.

A package has a seal portion that includes steam passage portions for externally releasing steam from inside the tray. The steam passage portion has an inner edge in which the portions configuring one side and the other side relative to the tip are curved and extended nearing each other toward the tip. The steam passage portion has an outer edge in a curved shape with a pointed tip, the shape being similar to that of the inner edge. The steam passage portion has a merging portion located between the tip of the outer edge and the tip of the inner edge, and a non-merging portion located between the merging portion and a common portion. The non-merging portion has a width narrowed from the common portion toward the merging portion.

The invention provides a container (10) for the packaging of a fluent product (P) which off-gases, the container comprising: a container body (11) for receiving and storing product and a removable lid (12) for closing the container body; in which the lid is provided with a venting assembly (20, 23a, 23b, 24) extending into the container body; in which the venting assembly has a closed position which is effective to close the container body and a venting position permitting the venting of gas from the container body; whereby, when the container body is partially filled with a fluent product which off-gases, the venting assembly moves to the venting position in response to excessive pressure from accumulated gas, and reverts to the closed position upon release of the excessive pressure, thus effecting periodic venting of the container body; and whereby the spatial arrangement of the venting assembly within the container body provides for venting of the container body independently of the orientation of the container, whilst retaining the product within the container body. The container is especially suitable for the packaging of viscous or semisolid products which incorporate an oxidizing agent, such as creams or gels for the bleaching or colouring of hair.