The device for maintaining a gas atmosphere over a product, e.g. food, in a container (1) is fitted with a gas inlet (5) for connection to a gas cartridge (8). Independent claims are included for: (a) use of the device for packing food under a protective atmosphere on a domestic scale; (b) use of the device for storing bacteria under an artificial atmosphere; and (c) use of the device for ripening fruit and vegetables.
