Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking)
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color)
E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking)
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.
E170 (Calcium Carbonate / CaCO3) is a fine mineral salt mined from limestone or precipitated synthetically. INS 170(i), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), serving as a white surface colorant, acidity buffer, anti-caking agent, and calcium nutrient fortificant.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E160a | E170 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 160a(i) / 160a(ii) | INS 170(i) |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Provitamin A Fortificant | Food Color (White / Opacifier), Anti-Caking, Acidity Regulator, Nutrient |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Specified (Quantum Satis from dietary/fermentation forms) | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C40H56 | CaCO3 |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
11 conjugated double-bond chromophore system absorbing blue-violet light; converts into 2 molecules of retinol (Vitamin A) | High refractive index light scattering creating white opacity; neutralizes acids to calcium salts and CO2 |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Butter, margarine, processed cheeses, orange juices, baked pastries | Chewing gum coatings, plant milks (Soy/Almond calcium fortification), baking powders, tablets |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan (Plant/Fermentation), Halal, Kosher Certified | Vegan (Mineral limestone), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.95) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1191) |
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