Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial)
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color)
E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial)
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.
E202 (Potassium Sorbate) is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, offering 58% water solubility at room temperature. INS 202, group ADI is 11 mg/kg bw/day, widely utilized in beverages, syrups, and cosmetics to block yeast fermentation.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E160a | E202 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 160a(i) / 160a(ii) | INS 202 |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Provitamin A Fortificant | Preservative (Water-Soluble Antifungal) |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Specified (Quantum Satis from dietary/fermentation forms) | 11 mg / kg body weight per day (as sorbic acid equivalent) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C40H56 | C6H7KO2 |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
11 conjugated double-bond chromophore system absorbing blue-violet light; converts into 2 molecules of retinol (Vitamin A) | Dissociates into sorbic acid in food matrix, blocking substrate transport in fungal cells |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Butter, margarine, processed cheeses, orange juices, baked pastries | Fruit juices, carbonated beverages, table syrups, dips, yogurt drinks, wine finishing |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan (Plant/Fermentation), Halal, Kosher Certified | Vegan, Halal, Kosher Certified |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.95) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3640) |
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