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Side-by-Side Comparison Food Additives & E-Numbers

E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) vs. E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative)

Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.

Comparing:

E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)

E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative)

Highlight Diffs (10)

E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) →

E150a (Class I / Plain Caramel) is produced by controlled thermal heating of food carbohydrates without ammonium or sulfite compounds. INS 150a, ADI is Not Specified, yielding a warm brown-amber color in spirits, whiskey, and vinegars.

View full E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) spec sheet →

E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) →

E200 (Sorbic Acid / 2,4-hexadienoic acid) is an unsaturated organic carboxylic acid preservative with broad antifungal and antimold activity. INS 200, group ADI is 11 mg/kg bw/day (expressed as sorbic acid), active across acidic and neutral pH up to 6.5.

View full E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters

Parameter / Spec	E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)	E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative)
E-Number Code	E150a	E200
INS / Codex Number	INS 150a	INS 200
Functional Class	Food Color (Brown), Aromatic Flavoring	Preservative (Antifungal, Antimicrobial)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)	Not Specified (Quantum Satis / Highest purity class)	11 mg / kg body weight per day (as sorbic acid)
Primary Mechanism	Pyrolysis and non-enzymatic caramelization forming high-molecular-weight chromophores	Un-dissociated acid penetrates mold/yeast cell membranes, inhibiting enolase and dehydrogenase enzymes
Common Target Foods	Scotch whisky, bourbon, brandy, rum, balsamic vinegar, craft ales	Cheese wraps, baked pastries, dried fruits, fermented pickles, wine stabilization
Dietary Compliance	100% Vegan (Sugar derived), Halal, Kosher, 4-MEI Free	100% Vegan (Chemical synthesis), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.85)	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3089)
Chemical Class	Complex polymeric carbohydrate breakdown caramelans, caramelens, caramelins	—
Chemical Formula	—	C6H8O2

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