Abstract: Disclosed herein are chlorine dioxide releasing package label/inserts to be used inside a package or in an outer plastic bag containing several individual packages, the package label/insert containing (a) at least one layer of pectin and citric acid, (b) at least one layer of gelatin and sodium chlorite, (c) optionally at least one barrier layer containing gelatin (without sodium chlorite) between the at least one layer of pectin and citric acid and the at least one layer of gelatin and sodium chlorite, and (d) an adhesive joining said layers, wherein the package label/insert has alternating layers of the at least one layer of pectin and citric acid and the at least one layer of gelatin and sodium chlorite. Also disclosed are methods of killing microorganisms on an item using the package label/insert described herein.