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Side-by-Side Comparison Food Additives & E-Numbers

E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant)

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

Comparing:

E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color)

E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant)

Highlight Diffs (9)

E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) →

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.

View full E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange 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	E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color)	E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant)
E-Number Code	E160a	E270
INS / Codex Number	INS 160a(i) / 160a(ii)	INS 270
Functional Class	Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Provitamin A Fortificant	Acidity Regulator, Preservative, Flavoring Agent
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)	Not Specified (Quantum Satis from dietary/fermentation forms)	Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Chemical Formula	C40H56	C3H6O3 (2-hydroxypropanoic acid, pKa 3.86)
Primary Mechanism	11 conjugated double-bond chromophore system absorbing blue-violet light; converts into 2 molecules of retinol (Vitamin A)	Provides sustained buffering and mild tartness while suppressing spore-forming spoilage bacteria
Common Target Foods	Butter, margarine, processed cheeses, orange juices, baked pastries	Yogurt, sourdough breads, sour ales (Berliner Weisse), olives, confectionery, carcass rinses
Dietary Compliance	Vegan (Plant/Fermentation), Halal, Kosher Certified	100% Vegan (Bacterial fermentation of beet/corn sugar), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.95)	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1061)

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