# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Food Additives & E-Numbers

E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial)

Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color)
E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial)
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) →

E101 (Riboflavin / Vitamin B2) is an authorized yellow food colorant and essential micronutrient produced via microbial fermentation of Ashbya gossypii. INS 101(i), ADI is 0.5 mg/kg bw/day, commonly used to fortify cereals and color sauces.

View full E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) spec sheet →
E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) →

E202 (Potassium Sorbate) is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, offering 58% water solubility at room temperature. INS 202, group ADI is 11 mg/kg bw/day, widely utilized in beverages, syrups, and cosmetics to block yeast fermentation.

View full E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color)
E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial)
E-Number Code
E101 E202
INS / Codex Number
INS 101(i) INS 202
Functional Class
Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Nutrient Fortificant Preservative (Water-Soluble Antifungal)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
0.5 mg / kg body weight per day 11 mg / kg body weight per day (as sorbic acid equivalent)
Chemical Formula
C17H20N4O6 C6H7KO2
Primary Mechanism
Yellow chromophore acting as precursor to flavin coenzymes (FAD/FMN) Dissociates into sorbic acid in food matrix, blocking substrate transport in fungal cells
Common Target Foods
Fortified breakfast cereals, baby foods, pasta, dairy desserts, energy drinks Fruit juices, carbonated beverages, table syrups, dips, yogurt drinks, wine finishing
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Microbial fermentation), Halal, Kosher Vegan, Halal, Kosher Certified
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.450) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3640)

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