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

E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) vs. E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt)

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

Comparing:
E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial)
E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt)

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 →

E224 (Potassium Metabisulfite / K2S2O5) is a white crystalline powder releasing 57.6% sulfur dioxide by weight when dissolved in acidic liquids. INS 224, ADI is 0.7 mg/kg bw/day, the premier sanitizing and stabilizing agent in commercial winemaking.

View full E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E-Number Code
E202 E224
INS / Codex Number
INS 202 INS 224
Functional Class
Preservative (Water-Soluble Antifungal) Preservative, Antioxidant, Sanitizer
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 K2S2O5
Primary Mechanism
Dissociates into sorbic acid in food matrix, blocking substrate transport in fungal cells Releases free SO2 and potassium ions, neutralizing wild yeasts and preventing enzymatic must oxidation
Common Target Foods
Fruit juices, carbonated beverages, table syrups, dips, yogurt drinks, wine finishing Grape must, commercial wines, ciders, lemon juice concentrates, dried fruit processing
Dietary Compliance
Vegan, Halal, Kosher Certified Vegan, Halal, Kosher (Allergen labeling required)
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3640) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3637)

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