# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Food Additives & E-Numbers

E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative)

Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color)
E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative)
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) →

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.

View full E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) spec sheet →
E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) →

E220 (Sulfur Dioxide / SO2) is an inorganic gas dissolved in water to generate bisulfite and sulfite ions, providing potent antimicrobial and polyphenol oxidase enzyme-inhibiting properties. INS 220, group ADI is 0.7 mg/kg bw/day.

View full E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color)
E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative)
E-Number Code
E101 E220
INS / Codex Number
INS 101(i) INS 220
Functional Class
Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Nutrient Fortificant Preservative, Antioxidant, Enzymatic Browning Inhibitor
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
0.5 mg / kg body weight per day 0.7 mg / kg body weight per day (as SO2 equivalent)
Chemical Formula
C17H20N4O6 SO2
Primary Mechanism
Yellow chromophore acting as precursor to flavin coenzymes (FAD/FMN) Molecular SO2 penetrates microbial membranes; bisulfite (HSO3-) cleaves disulfide bonds in enzymes and binds acetaldehyde
Common Target Foods
Fortified breakfast cereals, baby foods, pasta, dairy desserts, energy drinks Wines (Contains sulfites declaration >10mg/L), dried apricots, ciders, potato starch
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Microbial fermentation), Halal, Kosher Vegan, Halal, Kosher, Major Allergen Declaration Mandatory
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.450) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3862 - Banned on raw produce)

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