Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) vs. E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative)
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial)
E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative)
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.
E211 (Sodium Benzoate) is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, highly soluble and active against yeasts and bacteria in acidic environments (pH < 4.5). INS 211, group ADI is 5 mg/kg bw/day, the standard antimicrobial in carbonated soft drinks and fruit juices.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E202 | E211 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 202 | INS 211 |
|
Functional Class
|
Preservative (Water-Soluble Antifungal) | Preservative (Antibacterial, Antifungal) |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
11 mg / kg body weight per day (as sorbic acid equivalent) | 5 mg / kg body weight per day (as benzoic acid equivalent) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C6H7KO2 | C7H5NaO2 |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Dissociates into sorbic acid in food matrix, blocking substrate transport in fungal cells | In acidic media, converts to lipophilic undissociated benzoic acid which disrupts intracellular pH and anaerobic glycolysis in microbes |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Fruit juices, carbonated beverages, table syrups, dips, yogurt drinks, wine finishing | Acidic soft drinks, sparkling waters, salad dressings, jams, pickles, soy sauce |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan, Halal, Kosher Certified | Vegan, Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3640) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1733) |
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