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

E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative)

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

Comparing:
E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial)
E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative)
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 →
E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) →

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.

View full E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial)
E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative)
E-Number Code
E202 E220
INS / Codex Number
INS 202 INS 220
Functional Class
Preservative (Water-Soluble Antifungal) Preservative, Antioxidant, Enzymatic Browning Inhibitor
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
11 mg / kg body weight per day (as sorbic acid equivalent) 0.7 mg / kg body weight per day (as SO2 equivalent)
Chemical Formula
C6H7KO2 SO2
Primary Mechanism
Dissociates into sorbic acid in food matrix, blocking substrate transport in fungal cells Molecular SO2 penetrates microbial membranes; bisulfite (HSO3-) cleaves disulfide bonds in enzymes and binds acetaldehyde
Common Target Foods
Fruit juices, carbonated beverages, table syrups, dips, yogurt drinks, wine finishing Wines (Contains sulfites declaration >10mg/L), dried apricots, ciders, potato starch
Dietary Compliance
Vegan, Halal, Kosher Certified Vegan, Halal, Kosher, Major Allergen Declaration Mandatory
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3640) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3862 - Banned on raw produce)

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