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

E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt)

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

Comparing:
E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial)
E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese 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 →

E509 (Calcium Chloride / CaCl2) is an inorganic calcium mineral salt. INS 509, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), serving as a crucial firming agent in canned tomatoes, tofu coagulant, and rennet coagulation restorer in pasteurized milk cheese making.

View full E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E-Number Code
E202 E509
INS / Codex Number
INS 202 INS 509
Functional Class
Preservative (Water-Soluble Antifungal) Firming Agent, Coagulant, Sequestrant, Electrolyte
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
11 mg / kg body weight per day (as sorbic acid equivalent) Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Chemical Formula
C6H7KO2 CaCl2
Primary Mechanism
Dissociates into sorbic acid in food matrix, blocking substrate transport in fungal cells Divalent Ca2+ ions cross-link pectin galacturonan chains in plant cell walls and bridge casein micelles in milk
Common Target Foods
Fruit juices, carbonated beverages, table syrups, dips, yogurt drinks, wine finishing Canned whole peeled tomatoes (prevents mushiness), pasteurized cheese vats, soy tofu coagulation, sports pickles
Dietary Compliance
Vegan, Halal, Kosher Certified Vegan (Natural brine/limestone salt), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3640) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1193)

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