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Side-by-Side Comparison Food Additives & E-Numbers

E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt)

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

Comparing:

E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color)

E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt)

Highlight Diffs (9)

E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) →

E160a (Beta-Carotene) is a fat-soluble orange carotenoid tetraterpenoid obtained by synthesis, fermentation of Blakeslea trispora, or plant extraction. INS 160a(i)/(ii), ADI is Not Specified, providing deep orange-yellow hues in dairy, juices, and fats.

View full E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) spec sheet →

E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) →

E224 (Potassium Metabisulfite / K2S2O5) is a white crystalline powder releasing 57.6% sulfur dioxide by weight when dissolved in acidic liquids. INS 224, ADI is 0.7 mg/kg bw/day, the premier sanitizing and stabilizing agent in commercial winemaking.

View full E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters

Parameter / Spec	E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color)	E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt)
E-Number Code	E160a	E224
INS / Codex Number	INS 160a(i) / 160a(ii)	INS 224
Functional Class	Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Provitamin A Fortificant	Preservative, Antioxidant, Sanitizer
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)	Not Specified (Quantum Satis from dietary/fermentation forms)	0.7 mg / kg body weight per day (as SO2 equivalent)
Chemical Formula	C40H56	K2S2O5
Primary Mechanism	11 conjugated double-bond chromophore system absorbing blue-violet light; converts into 2 molecules of retinol (Vitamin A)	Releases free SO2 and potassium ions, neutralizing wild yeasts and preventing enzymatic must oxidation
Common Target Foods	Butter, margarine, processed cheeses, orange juices, baked pastries	Grape must, commercial wines, ciders, lemon juice concentrates, dried fruit processing
Dietary Compliance	Vegan (Plant/Fermentation), Halal, Kosher Certified	Vegan, Halal, Kosher (Allergen labeling required)
Safety Approval	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.95)	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3637)

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