# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Food Additives & E-Numbers

E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial)

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

Comparing:
E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking)
E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial)

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.

View full E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking) spec sheet →

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.

View full E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) spec sheet →

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)

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