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

E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt)

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

Comparing:

E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color)

E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle 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 →

E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) →

E501 (Potassium Carbonates / K2CO3) is an inorganic alkaline mineral salt. INS 501(i), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), used as the key 'Kansui' alkaline agent in Japanese ramen noodles and in the Dutch processing of cocoa powder.

View full E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters

Parameter / Spec	E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color)	E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt)
E-Number Code	E160a	E501
INS / Codex Number	INS 160a(i) / 160a(ii)	INS 501(i) (Potassium Carbonate)
Functional Class	Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Provitamin A Fortificant	Acidity Regulator, Alkaline Leavening, Kansui Salt
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)	Not Specified (Quantum Satis from dietary/fermentation forms)	Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Chemical Formula	C40H56	K2CO3
Primary Mechanism	11 conjugated double-bond chromophore system absorbing blue-violet light; converts into 2 molecules of retinol (Vitamin A)	Alkalinizes noodle dough (pH 9–11), tightening glutenin network and converting flavonoid pigments yellow
Common Target Foods	Butter, margarine, processed cheeses, orange juices, baked pastries	Ramen noodles (Kansui), Dutch-process alkalized cocoa powder, gingerbread leavening
Dietary Compliance	Vegan (Plant/Fermentation), Halal, Kosher Certified	Vegan (Mineral salt), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.95)	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1619)

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