E163: Anthocyanins (Grape Skin & Berry Red/Purple) vs. E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative)
Comparing 2 standards across 13 specifications. 13 key differences identified.
E163 (Anthocyanins) are natural water-soluble flavonoid polyphenol pigments extracted from grape skins, elderberries, and black carrots. INS 163, ADI is 2.5 mg/kg bw/day (grape skin extract), exhibiting pH-dependent colors from red to blue.
Sodium nitrite (E250, NaNO2) is an inorganic salt used in cured charcuterie, bacon, and processed meats to inhibit Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin germination, fix cured pink nitrosyl-myoglobin color, and retard lipid autoxidation.
Specification Comparison Table
13 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (Red, Purple, Blue) | Preservative / Color Retention Agent (Curing Salt) |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
2.5 mg / kg body weight per day (as anthocyanins) | 0–0.07 mg/kg body weight per day (EFSA / JECFA) |
|
E-Number Code
|
E163 | — |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 163(i)–(v) | — |
|
Key Flavylium Cations
|
Cyanidin, Delphinidin, Malvidin, Peonidin, Petunidin | — |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Flavylium cation red at pH 1–3, converting to blue quinoidal base at neutral/alkaline pH | — |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Red fruit beverages, sports drinks, jams, jellies, wine gums | — |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Fruit/Vegetable extraction), Halal, Kosher | — |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA 21 CFR 73.170 | — |
|
INS / E-Number
|
— | INS 250 / E250 |
|
Chemical Formula
|
— | NaNO₂ (Molecular Weight: 68.995 g/mol) |
|
USDA Maximum Residual Level
|
— | 156 ppm in cured meat / 200 ppm in dry cured ham / 120 ppm in bacon with ascorbate |
|
Botulism Inhibition Threshold
|
— | Inhibits Clostridium botulinum spore outgrowth at ≥50–100 mg/kg in presence of NaCl |