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

E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn)

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

Comparing:
E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt)
E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn)
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 →
E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) →

E503 (Ammonium Bicarbonate / (NH4)HCO3) is a historic chemical leavening salt. INS 503(ii), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), decomposing 100% into gaseous CO2, ammonia, and water at temperatures >60°C to create ultra-crisp, airy crackers and cookies.

View full E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt)
E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn)
E-Number Code
E224 E503
INS / Codex Number
INS 224 INS 503(ii)
Functional Class
Preservative, Antioxidant, Sanitizer Raising Agent, Acidity Regulator
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
0.7 mg / kg body weight per day (as SO2 equivalent) Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Chemical Formula
K2S2O5 (NH4)HCO3
Primary Mechanism
Releases free SO2 and potassium ions, neutralizing wild yeasts and preventing enzymatic must oxidation Thermal decomposition leaves zero residual water or alkali salts: (NH4)HCO3 -> NH3(g) + CO2(g) + H2O(g)
Common Target Foods
Grape must, commercial wines, ciders, lemon juice concentrates, dried fruit processing Thin crispy crackers, Italian biscotti, Greek koulourakia, sugar wafer shells
Dietary Compliance
Vegan, Halal, Kosher (Allergen labeling required) Vegan (Mineral synthesis), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3637) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1137)

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Ins 500ii) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable 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