E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative)
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.
E220 (Sulfur Dioxide / SO2) is an inorganic gas dissolved in water to generate bisulfite and sulfite ions, providing potent antimicrobial and polyphenol oxidase enzyme-inhibiting properties. INS 220, group ADI is 0.7 mg/kg bw/day.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E170 | E220 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 170(i) | INS 220 |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (White / Opacifier), Anti-Caking, Acidity Regulator, Nutrient | Preservative, Antioxidant, Enzymatic Browning Inhibitor |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | 0.7 mg / kg body weight per day (as SO2 equivalent) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
CaCO3 | SO2 |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
High refractive index light scattering creating white opacity; neutralizes acids to calcium salts and CO2 | Molecular SO2 penetrates microbial membranes; bisulfite (HSO3-) cleaves disulfide bonds in enzymes and binds acetaldehyde |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Chewing gum coatings, plant milks (Soy/Almond calcium fortification), baking powders, tablets | Wines (Contains sulfites declaration >10mg/L), dried apricots, ciders, potato starch |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan (Mineral limestone), Halal, Kosher | Vegan, Halal, Kosher, Major Allergen Declaration Mandatory |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1191) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3862 - Banned on raw produce) |