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

E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG)

Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial)
E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG)

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 →

E410 (Locust Bean Gum / LBG) is a galactomannan polysaccharide milled from the seeds of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua). INS 410, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), providing smooth melt-down and freeze-thaw ice crystal inhibition in premium ice creams.

View full E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E-Number Code
E202 E410
INS / Codex Number
INS 202 INS 410
Functional Class
Preservative (Water-Soluble Antifungal) Thickener, Stabilizer, Syneresis Inhibitor
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
11 mg / kg body weight per day (as sorbic acid equivalent) Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Primary Mechanism
Dissociates into sorbic acid in food matrix, blocking substrate transport in fungal cells Synergistically cross-links with xanthan gum and carrageenan to form elastic gels and halt ice crystallization
Common Target Foods
Fruit juices, carbonated beverages, table syrups, dips, yogurt drinks, wine finishing Ice creams (prevents icy graininess), cream cheeses, infant formula thickeners, fruit sauces
Dietary Compliance
Vegan, Halal, Kosher Certified 100% Vegan (Carob tree seed endosperm), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3640) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1343)
Chemical Formula
C6H7KO2
Mannose to Galactose Ratio
4 : 1 (High mannose backbone requires heating to 85°C for full hydration)

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