E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener)
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
E290 (Carbon Dioxide / CO2) is an authorized food additive functioning as a carbonating gas, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) preservative, and cryogenic freezing propellant. INS 290, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis).
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.
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E290 | E471 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 290 | INS 471 |
|
Functional Class
|
Carbonating Gas, Packaging Gas, Preservative, Propellant | Emulsifier, Anti-Staling Agent, Crumb Softener, Defoamer |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Dissolves in water forming carbonic acid (H2CO3) for effervescence; displaces O2 in packaging to block aerobic mold growth | Fatty acid chain complexes into helical starch amylose cavity, preventing retrogradation staling |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Carbonated soft drinks, sparkling water, beer, champagne, MAP bagged salads, fresh meats | Sliced sandwich bread, margarines, ice creams, peanut butter (Prevents oil separation), cake mixes |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan, Halal, Kosher | Vegan (When derived from palm/sunflower oil; animal fat variants must be labeled) |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1240) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1505) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
CO2 | — |
|
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB)
|
— | 3.5 – 4.5 (Lipophilic water-in-oil emulsifier) |