Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative)
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative)
E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine 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.
E220 (Sulfur Dioxide / SO2) is an inorganic gas dissolved in water to generate bisulfite and sulfite ions, providing potent antimicrobial and polyphenol oxidase enzyme-inhibiting properties. INS 220, group ADI is 0.7 mg/kg bw/day.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E211 | E220 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 211 | INS 220 |
|
Functional Class
|
Preservative (Antibacterial, Antifungal) | Preservative, Antioxidant, Enzymatic Browning Inhibitor |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
5 mg / kg body weight per day (as benzoic acid equivalent) | 0.7 mg / kg body weight per day (as SO2 equivalent) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C7H5NaO2 | SO2 |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
In acidic media, converts to lipophilic undissociated benzoic acid which disrupts intracellular pH and anaerobic glycolysis in microbes | Molecular SO2 penetrates microbial membranes; bisulfite (HSO3-) cleaves disulfide bonds in enzymes and binds acetaldehyde |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Acidic soft drinks, sparkling waters, salad dressings, jams, pickles, soy sauce | Wines (Contains sulfites declaration >10mg/L), dried apricots, ciders, potato starch |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan, Halal, Kosher | Vegan, Halal, Kosher, Major Allergen Declaration Mandatory |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1733) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3862 - Banned on raw produce) |
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