E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener)
Comparing 2 standards across 10 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.
E471 is an authorized food emulsifier composed of glycerol esterified with one or two fatty acid chains (glycerol monostearate / monooleate). INS 471, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), globally recognized as the ultimate crumb softener and amylose complexing agent in bakery.
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E170 | E471 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 170(i) | INS 471 |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (White / Opacifier), Anti-Caking, Acidity Regulator, Nutrient | Emulsifier, Anti-Staling Agent, Crumb Softener, Defoamer |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
High refractive index light scattering creating white opacity; neutralizes acids to calcium salts and CO2 | Fatty acid chain complexes into helical starch amylose cavity, preventing retrogradation staling |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Chewing gum coatings, plant milks (Soy/Almond calcium fortification), baking powders, tablets | Sliced sandwich bread, margarines, ice creams, peanut butter (Prevents oil separation), cake mixes |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan (Mineral limestone), Halal, Kosher | Vegan (When derived from palm/sunflower oil; animal fat variants must be labeled) |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1191) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1505) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
CaCO3 | — |
|
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB)
|
— | 3.5 – 4.5 (Lipophilic water-in-oil emulsifier) |