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

E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) vs. E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative)

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

Comparing:
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color)
E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative)
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) →

E101 (Riboflavin / Vitamin B2) is an authorized yellow food colorant and essential micronutrient produced via microbial fermentation of Ashbya gossypii. INS 101(i), ADI is 0.5 mg/kg bw/day, commonly used to fortify cereals and color sauces.

View full E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) spec sheet →
E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) →

E211 (Sodium Benzoate) is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, highly soluble and active against yeasts and bacteria in acidic environments (pH < 4.5). INS 211, group ADI is 5 mg/kg bw/day, the standard antimicrobial in carbonated soft drinks and fruit juices.

View full E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color)
E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative)
E-Number Code
E101 E211
INS / Codex Number
INS 101(i) INS 211
Functional Class
Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Nutrient Fortificant Preservative (Antibacterial, Antifungal)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
0.5 mg / kg body weight per day 5 mg / kg body weight per day (as benzoic acid equivalent)
Chemical Formula
C17H20N4O6 C7H5NaO2
Primary Mechanism
Yellow chromophore acting as precursor to flavin coenzymes (FAD/FMN) In acidic media, converts to lipophilic undissociated benzoic acid which disrupts intracellular pH and anaerobic glycolysis in microbes
Common Target Foods
Fortified breakfast cereals, baby foods, pasta, dairy desserts, energy drinks Acidic soft drinks, sparkling waters, salad dressings, jams, pickles, soy sauce
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Microbial fermentation), Halal, Kosher Vegan, Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.450) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1733)

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