[Hygienic properties of cellophane film intended for food packaging]

The cellophane films intended for wrapping food products were studied. Investigations have established the presence of these films of the cellulose xanthogenate and products of its decomposition, of carbon bisulphide in particular. With their joint presence the determination of carbon bisulphide and hydrogen sulphide was done colourimetrically, the sensitivity of this method being 0.005 mg/l. Migration of carbon bisulphide from the cellophane into the atmosphere and water was investivaged. An interconnection between the amount of the migrated carbon bisulphide and the odour of aqueous cellophane extracts was disclosed. To improve sanitary and chemical properties of cellophane a more intensive washing off of sulphur-containing compounds from it is recommended.