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

E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn)

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

Comparing:
E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial)
E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn)
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 →
E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) →

E503 (Ammonium Bicarbonate / (NH4)HCO3) is a historic chemical leavening salt. INS 503(ii), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), decomposing 100% into gaseous CO2, ammonia, and water at temperatures >60°C to create ultra-crisp, airy crackers and cookies.

View full E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial)
E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn)
E-Number Code
E202 E503
INS / Codex Number
INS 202 INS 503(ii)
Functional Class
Preservative (Water-Soluble Antifungal) Raising Agent, Acidity Regulator
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
11 mg / kg body weight per day (as sorbic acid equivalent) Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Chemical Formula
C6H7KO2 (NH4)HCO3
Primary Mechanism
Dissociates into sorbic acid in food matrix, blocking substrate transport in fungal cells Thermal decomposition leaves zero residual water or alkali salts: (NH4)HCO3 -> NH3(g) + CO2(g) + H2O(g)
Common Target Foods
Fruit juices, carbonated beverages, table syrups, dips, yogurt drinks, wine finishing Thin crispy crackers, Italian biscotti, Greek koulourakia, sugar wafer shells
Dietary Compliance
Vegan, Halal, Kosher Certified Vegan (Mineral synthesis), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3640) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1137)

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