An improvement in a sealed pouch (20) made of molecularly-orientable polymeric film that is sealed along peripheral edge margins is disclosed. The pouch (20) defines a sealed cavity (22) for containment of a fluid ("F"). The pouch (20) also defines a sealed fluid-discharge spout (24) that is in fluid communication with the fluid cavity (22). The pouch (20) further defines a seam (26) disposed between the fluid cavity (22) and the spout (24). The improvement comprises at least three essential features. One such feature is that a portion of the polymeric film which defines a fluid-discharge end (36) of the spout (24) is molecularly-oriented in a preselected direction. Another such feature is that a portion of the seam (26) defines a slit (30) disposed transverse to the preselected direction. Still another feature is that a portion of the sealed pouch peripheral edge margin in the vicinity of the fluid-discharge end (34) of the spout (24) defines a tear-initiating notch (32) oriented in the preselected direction.
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