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

E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold)

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

Comparing:

E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color)

E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold)

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 →

E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) →

E282 (Calcium Propionate) is the calcium salt of propionic acid, the premier mold and 'rope' bacteria inhibitor in industrial yeast-leavened bakery goods. INS 282, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), preserving sliced bread for weeks without retarding yeast activity.

View full E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters

Parameter / Spec	E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color)	E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold)
E-Number Code	E160a	E282
INS / Codex Number	INS 160a(i) / 160a(ii)	INS 282
Functional Class	Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Provitamin A Fortificant	Preservative (Bakery Anti-Mold & Anti-Rope)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)	Not Specified (Quantum Satis from dietary/fermentation forms)	Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Chemical Formula	C40H56	Ca(C3H5O2)2
Primary Mechanism	11 conjugated double-bond chromophore system absorbing blue-violet light; converts into 2 molecules of retinol (Vitamin A)	Propionate ion disrupts membrane transport in Penicillium molds and Bacillus mesentericus (rope bacteria)
Common Target Foods	Butter, margarine, processed cheeses, orange juices, baked pastries	Commercial sliced white/wheat bread, hamburger buns, tortillas, pita bread
Dietary Compliance	Vegan (Plant/Fermentation), Halal, Kosher Certified	Vegan, Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.95)	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1221)

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