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

E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener)

Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative)
E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener)

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.

View full E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) spec sheet →

E471 is an authorized food emulsifier composed of glycerol esterified with one or two fatty acid chains (glycerol monostearate / monooleate). INS 471, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), globally recognized as the ultimate crumb softener and amylose complexing agent in bakery.

View full E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E-Number Code
E220 E471
INS / Codex Number
INS 220 INS 471
Functional Class
Preservative, Antioxidant, Enzymatic Browning Inhibitor Emulsifier, Anti-Staling Agent, Crumb Softener, Defoamer
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
0.7 mg / kg body weight per day (as SO2 equivalent) Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Primary Mechanism
Molecular SO2 penetrates microbial membranes; bisulfite (HSO3-) cleaves disulfide bonds in enzymes and binds acetaldehyde Fatty acid chain complexes into helical starch amylose cavity, preventing retrogradation staling
Common Target Foods
Wines (Contains sulfites declaration >10mg/L), dried apricots, ciders, potato starch Sliced sandwich bread, margarines, ice creams, peanut butter (Prevents oil separation), cake mixes
Dietary Compliance
Vegan, Halal, Kosher, Major Allergen Declaration Mandatory Vegan (When derived from palm/sunflower oil; animal fat variants must be labeled)
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3862 - Banned on raw produce) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1505)
Chemical Formula
SO2
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB)
3.5 – 4.5 (Lipophilic water-in-oil emulsifier)

Other Alternatives to Compare

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