E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial)
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
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.
E202 (Potassium Sorbate) is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, offering 58% water solubility at room temperature. INS 202, group ADI is 11 mg/kg bw/day, widely utilized in beverages, syrups, and cosmetics to block yeast fermentation.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E170 | E202 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 170(i) | INS 202 |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (White / Opacifier), Anti-Caking, Acidity Regulator, Nutrient | Preservative (Water-Soluble Antifungal) |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | 11 mg / kg body weight per day (as sorbic acid equivalent) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
CaCO3 | C6H7KO2 |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
High refractive index light scattering creating white opacity; neutralizes acids to calcium salts and CO2 | Dissociates into sorbic acid in food matrix, blocking substrate transport in fungal cells |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Chewing gum coatings, plant milks (Soy/Almond calcium fortification), baking powders, tablets | Fruit juices, carbonated beverages, table syrups, dips, yogurt drinks, wine finishing |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan (Mineral limestone), Halal, Kosher | Vegan, Halal, Kosher Certified |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1191) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3640) |