E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid)
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.
E260 (Acetic Acid / Ethanoic acid) is a natural carboxylic acid produced via aerobic Acetobacter fermentation of ethanol. INS 260, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), giving vinegar its characteristic pungent sour flavor and pickling preservative action.
E407 (Carrageenan) is a high-molecular-weight sulfated polygalactan extracted from red edible seaweeds (Chondrus crispus / Irish Moss). INS 407, ADI is 75 mg/kg bw/day, famed for stabilizing cocoa suspension in chocolate milk via kappa-casein binding.
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E260 | E407 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 260 | INS 407 |
|
Functional Class
|
Acidity Regulator, Preservative, Flavoring Tastant | Thickener, Gelling Agent, Emulsion Stabilizer |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | 75 mg / kg body weight per day |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Lowers pH below 4.2, destroying bacterial cell membrane proton motive force | Negative sulfate esters cross-link with positive charges on milk kappa-casein micelles |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Table vinegars (4–8%), pickled cucumbers, mustard, mayonnaise, tomato ketchup | Chocolate milks, whipping creams, plant-based milks, deli turkey meats (water binding) |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Biological vinegar fermentation), Halal, Kosher | 100% Vegan (Marine seaweed), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1005) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 172.620) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
CH3COOH (pKa 4.76) | — |
|
Major Types
|
— | Kappa (Rigid brittle gel), Iota (Elastic thixotropic gel), Lambda (Non-gelling thickener) |