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

E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant)

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

Comparing:
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color)
E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant)
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 →
E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) →

E270 (L-Lactic Acid) is a natural alpha-hydroxy acid produced by fermentation of carbohydrates by lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus). INS 270, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), imparting a smooth, mild sour taste in dairy, beers, and bakery sourdoughs.

View full E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color)
E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant)
E-Number Code
E101 E270
INS / Codex Number
INS 101(i) INS 270
Functional Class
Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Nutrient Fortificant Acidity Regulator, Preservative, Flavoring Agent
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
0.5 mg / kg body weight per day Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Chemical Formula
C17H20N4O6 C3H6O3 (2-hydroxypropanoic acid, pKa 3.86)
Primary Mechanism
Yellow chromophore acting as precursor to flavin coenzymes (FAD/FMN) Provides sustained buffering and mild tartness while suppressing spore-forming spoilage bacteria
Common Target Foods
Fortified breakfast cereals, baby foods, pasta, dairy desserts, energy drinks Yogurt, sourdough breads, sour ales (Berliner Weisse), olives, confectionery, carcass rinses
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Microbial fermentation), Halal, Kosher 100% Vegan (Bacterial fermentation of beet/corn sugar), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.450) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1061)

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