Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt)
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial)
E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle 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.
E501 (Potassium Carbonates / K2CO3) is an inorganic alkaline mineral salt. INS 501(i), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), used as the key 'Kansui' alkaline agent in Japanese ramen noodles and in the Dutch processing of cocoa powder.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E202 | E501 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 202 | INS 501(i) (Potassium Carbonate) |
|
Functional Class
|
Preservative (Water-Soluble Antifungal) | Acidity Regulator, Alkaline Leavening, Kansui Salt |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
11 mg / kg body weight per day (as sorbic acid equivalent) | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C6H7KO2 | K2CO3 |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Dissociates into sorbic acid in food matrix, blocking substrate transport in fungal cells | Alkalinizes noodle dough (pH 9–11), tightening glutenin network and converting flavonoid pigments yellow |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Fruit juices, carbonated beverages, table syrups, dips, yogurt drinks, wine finishing | Ramen noodles (Kansui), Dutch-process alkalized cocoa powder, gingerbread leavening |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan, Halal, Kosher Certified | Vegan (Mineral salt), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3640) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1619) |
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