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

E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel)

Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.

Comparing:

E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color)

E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel)

Highlight Diffs (10)

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 →

E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) →

E406 (Agar-Agar) is a natural sulfated galactan polysaccharide hydrocolloid extracted from red algae seaweeds (Rhodophyta). INS 406, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), forming firm, brittle thermoreversible gels with huge hysteresis (melts at 85°C, sets at 35°C).

View full E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters

Parameter / Spec	E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color)	E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel)
E-Number Code	E160a	E406
INS / Codex Number	INS 160a(i) / 160a(ii)	INS 406
Functional Class	Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Provitamin A Fortificant	Gelling Agent, Thickener, Stabilizer (Plant Gelatin Alternative)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)	Not Specified (Quantum Satis from dietary/fermentation forms)	Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Primary Mechanism	11 conjugated double-bond chromophore system absorbing blue-violet light; converts into 2 molecules of retinol (Vitamin A)	Forms double helices that aggregate into rigid 3D water-trapping gel matrices
Common Target Foods	Butter, margarine, processed cheeses, orange juices, baked pastries	Vegan jellies, Asian desserts (Yokan), confectionery glazes, microbiological agar plates
Dietary Compliance	Vegan (Plant/Fermentation), Halal, Kosher Certified	100% Vegan (Red marine algae), Halal, Kosher (Animal-gelatin free)
Safety Approval	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.95)	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1115)
Chemical Formula	C40H56	—
Chemical Components	—	Agarose (Gelling polymer) and Agaropektin (Sulfated polymer)

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