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

E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt)

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

Comparing:
E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative)
E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt)

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 →

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
E211 E509
INS / Codex Number
INS 211 INS 509
Functional Class
Preservative (Antibacterial, Antifungal) Firming Agent, Coagulant, Sequestrant, Electrolyte
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
5 mg / kg body weight per day (as benzoic acid equivalent) Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Chemical Formula
C7H5NaO2 CaCl2
Primary Mechanism
In acidic media, converts to lipophilic undissociated benzoic acid which disrupts intracellular pH and anaerobic glycolysis in microbes Divalent Ca2+ ions cross-link pectin galacturonan chains in plant cell walls and bridge casein micelles in milk
Common Target Foods
Acidic soft drinks, sparkling waters, salad dressings, jams, pickles, soy sauce Canned whole peeled tomatoes (prevents mushiness), pasteurized cheese vats, soy tofu coagulation, sports pickles
Dietary Compliance
Vegan, Halal, Kosher Vegan (Natural brine/limestone salt), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1733) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1193)

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