Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative)
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color)
E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative)
E160a (Beta-Carotene) is a fat-soluble orange carotenoid tetraterpenoid obtained by synthesis, fermentation of Blakeslea trispora, or plant extraction. INS 160a(i)/(ii), ADI is Not Specified, providing deep orange-yellow hues in dairy, juices, and fats.
E200 (Sorbic Acid / 2,4-hexadienoic acid) is an unsaturated organic carboxylic acid preservative with broad antifungal and antimold activity. INS 200, group ADI is 11 mg/kg bw/day (expressed as sorbic acid), active across acidic and neutral pH up to 6.5.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E160a | E200 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 160a(i) / 160a(ii) | INS 200 |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Provitamin A Fortificant | Preservative (Antifungal, Antimicrobial) |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Specified (Quantum Satis from dietary/fermentation forms) | 11 mg / kg body weight per day (as sorbic acid) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C40H56 | C6H8O2 |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
11 conjugated double-bond chromophore system absorbing blue-violet light; converts into 2 molecules of retinol (Vitamin A) | Un-dissociated acid penetrates mold/yeast cell membranes, inhibiting enolase and dehydrogenase enzymes |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Butter, margarine, processed cheeses, orange juices, baked pastries | Cheese wraps, baked pastries, dried fruits, fermented pickles, wine stabilization |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan (Plant/Fermentation), Halal, Kosher Certified | 100% Vegan (Chemical synthesis), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.95) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3089) |
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