E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt)
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
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.
E509 (Calcium Chloride / CaCl2) is an inorganic calcium mineral salt. INS 509, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), serving as a crucial firming agent in canned tomatoes, tofu coagulant, and rennet coagulation restorer in pasteurized milk cheese making.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E160a | E509 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 160a(i) / 160a(ii) | INS 509 |
|
Functional Class
|
Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Provitamin A Fortificant | Firming Agent, Coagulant, Sequestrant, Electrolyte |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Specified (Quantum Satis from dietary/fermentation forms) | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
C40H56 | CaCl2 |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
11 conjugated double-bond chromophore system absorbing blue-violet light; converts into 2 molecules of retinol (Vitamin A) | Divalent Ca2+ ions cross-link pectin galacturonan chains in plant cell walls and bridge casein micelles in milk |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Butter, margarine, processed cheeses, orange juices, baked pastries | Canned whole peeled tomatoes (prevents mushiness), pasteurized cheese vats, soy tofu coagulation, sports pickles |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan (Plant/Fermentation), Halal, Kosher Certified | Vegan (Natural brine/limestone salt), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.95) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1193) |