Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn)
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative)
E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn)
E200 (Sorbic Acid / 2,4-hexadienoic acid) is an unsaturated organic carboxylic acid preservative with broad antifungal and antimold activity. INS 200, group ADI is 11 mg/kg bw/day (expressed as sorbic acid), active across acidic and neutral pH up to 6.5.
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.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E200 | E503 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 200 | INS 503(ii) |
|
Functional Class
|
Preservative (Antifungal, Antimicrobial) | Raising Agent, Acidity Regulator |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
11 mg / kg body weight per day (as sorbic acid) | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C6H8O2 | (NH4)HCO3 |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Un-dissociated acid penetrates mold/yeast cell membranes, inhibiting enolase and dehydrogenase enzymes | Thermal decomposition leaves zero residual water or alkali salts: (NH4)HCO3 -> NH3(g) + CO2(g) + H2O(g) |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Cheese wraps, baked pastries, dried fruits, fermented pickles, wine stabilization | Thin crispy crackers, Italian biscotti, Greek koulourakia, sugar wafer shells |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Chemical synthesis), Halal, Kosher | Vegan (Mineral synthesis), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3089) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1137) |
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