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

E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist)

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

Comparing:

E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color)

E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist)

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 →

E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) →

E631 (Disodium 5'-Inosinate / IMP) is the sodium salt of inosinic acid, a purine nucleotide naturally found in aged beef, katsuobushi bonito flakes, and cured meats. INS 631, ADI is Not Specified, multiplying glutamate umami flavor.

View full E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters

Parameter / Spec	E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color)	E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist)
E-Number Code	E160a	E631
INS / Codex Number	INS 160a(i) / 160a(ii)	INS 631
Functional Class	Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Provitamin A Fortificant	Flavor Enhancer (Meat Purine Umami Synergist)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)	Not Specified (Quantum Satis from dietary/fermentation forms)	Not Specified (Quantum Satis)
Chemical Formula	C40H56	C10H11N4Na2O8P · xH2O
Primary Mechanism	11 conjugated double-bond chromophore system absorbing blue-violet light; converts into 2 molecules of retinol (Vitamin A)	Allosteric conformational stabilizer of human T1R1/T1R3 G-protein umami receptor heterodimer
Common Target Foods	Butter, margarine, processed cheeses, orange juices, baked pastries	Instant soups, meat seasonings, potato chips, canned meat gravies, cured snacks
Dietary Compliance	Vegan (Plant/Fermentation), Halal, Kosher Certified	Vegan (Bacterial Corynebacterium fermentation standard), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.95)	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 172.535)

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