Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking) vs. E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative)
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking)
E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative)
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.
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
12 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (White / Opacifier), Anti-Caking, Acidity Regulator, Nutrient | Preservative / Color Retention Agent (Curing Salt) |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | 0–0.07 mg/kg body weight per day (EFSA / JECFA) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
CaCO3 | NaNO₂ (Molecular Weight: 68.995 g/mol) |
|
E-Number Code
|
E170 | — |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 170(i) | — |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
High refractive index light scattering creating white opacity; neutralizes acids to calcium salts and CO2 | — |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Chewing gum coatings, plant milks (Soy/Almond calcium fortification), baking powders, tablets | — |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan (Mineral limestone), Halal, Kosher | — |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1191) | — |
|
INS / E-Number
|
— | INS 250 / E250 |
|
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 |
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