E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative)
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
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.
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
|
E200 | E220 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 200 | INS 220 |
|
Functional Class
|
Preservative (Antifungal, Antimicrobial) | Preservative, Antioxidant, Enzymatic Browning Inhibitor |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
11 mg / kg body weight per day (as sorbic acid) | 0.7 mg / kg body weight per day (as SO2 equivalent) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C6H8O2 | SO2 |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Un-dissociated acid penetrates mold/yeast cell membranes, inhibiting enolase and dehydrogenase enzymes | Molecular SO2 penetrates microbial membranes; bisulfite (HSO3-) cleaves disulfide bonds in enzymes and binds acetaldehyde |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Cheese wraps, baked pastries, dried fruits, fermented pickles, wine stabilization | Wines (Contains sulfites declaration >10mg/L), dried apricots, ciders, potato starch |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Chemical synthesis), Halal, Kosher | Vegan, Halal, Kosher, Major Allergen Declaration Mandatory |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3089) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3862 - Banned on raw produce) |