The invention provides a sterilizable pouch having at least one wall formed of a flexible film and including an opening formed therein for providing communication to an interior space of the package. A breathable material is disposed on an outer surface of the wall covering the opening. The breathable material is joined to the outer surface of the wall with a continuous heat seal. The flexible film forming the wall comprises a multilayer film having a peel feature that permits the breathable material to be peelably removed from the surface of the pouch.
