E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking)
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
E101 (Riboflavin / Vitamin B2) is an authorized yellow food colorant and essential micronutrient produced via microbial fermentation of Ashbya gossypii. INS 101(i), ADI is 0.5 mg/kg bw/day, commonly used to fortify cereals and color sauces.
E170 (Calcium Carbonate / CaCO3) is a fine mineral salt mined from limestone or precipitated synthetically. INS 170(i), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), serving as a white surface colorant, acidity buffer, anti-caking agent, and calcium nutrient fortificant.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E101 | E170 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 101(i) | INS 170(i) |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Nutrient Fortificant | Food Color (White / Opacifier), Anti-Caking, Acidity Regulator, Nutrient |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
0.5 mg / kg body weight per day | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C17H20N4O6 | CaCO3 |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Yellow chromophore acting as precursor to flavin coenzymes (FAD/FMN) | High refractive index light scattering creating white opacity; neutralizes acids to calcium salts and CO2 |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Fortified breakfast cereals, baby foods, pasta, dairy desserts, energy drinks | Chewing gum coatings, plant milks (Soy/Almond calcium fortification), baking powders, tablets |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Microbial fermentation), Halal, Kosher | Vegan (Mineral limestone), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.450) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1191) |