Sorette's Infant Formula Evaluation Framework

1. Supply Chain Transparency

Sorette evaluates whether brands provide clear, complete, and internally consistent disclosures about:

Ingredient Sourcing & Function

Baseline Requirements:

• Full disclosure of all ingredient sources (protein, carbohydrates, fats)

• Functional role of each ingredient in the formulation

• Percentage contribution of each carbohydrate source

• DHA and ARA sources with specific amounts (mg per 100 kcal)

Additional Disclosure Expectations:

• If palm oil is used, brands disclose its use, sourcing, and rationale for inclusion

• Supporting materials (e.g., sourcing information) may be requested as part of evaluation

Processing & Extraction Methods

Baseline Requirements:

• Oil processing methods disclosed (e.g., expeller-pressed, hexane-extracted, cold-pressed)

Manufacturing & Traceability

Baseline Requirements:

• Manufacturing location (city, state, country)

• Manufacturing model (in-house vs. contract manufacturer)

• Facility ownership

• Ingredient sourcing responsibility (brand, co-packer, third party)

• Traceability to country of origin

Additional Disclosure Expectations:

• Information about custody, import, and compliance records

Storage & Distribution

Baseline Requirements:

• Storage locations disclosed (domestic, international, or both)

• Temperature-controlled storage practices disclosed

Additional Disclosure Expectations:

• Quality assurance practices from third-party logistics providers

2. Testing & Quality Controls

Batch-Level Third-Party Testing

Baseline Requirement: 

• Brands represent that they conduct batch-level third-party testing for contaminants, pathogens, and nutritional composition through ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories (or equivalent).

Brands disclose whether each production batch is tested for:

• Heavy metals (including but not limited to: lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury)

• Microbial contamination (including but not limited to: Cronobacter, E. coli, Salmonella, B. cereus)

   - Testing confirms Cronobacter is not detected (FDA requirement)

• Mycotoxins, when applicable

• Nutritional composition relative to labeled claims

Additional Testing Disclosures

Brands are asked to disclose whether they conduct testing for additional contaminants, including but not limited to:

• Pesticide residues

• Spore-forming bacteria (SRC)

• Emerging contaminants (e.g., PFAS, plasticizers)

• Yeasts, molds, or viruses (transparency about additional testing is encouraged)

Laboratory Credentials & Quality Assurance

Baseline Requirements:

• Laboratory identified with credentials disclosed

• Representation that laboratory holds ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation (or equivalent)

Additional Disclosure Expectations:

• Post-production sample retention practices

• Approach to making testing results accessible to consumers

3. Ingredient & Formulation Disclosure

Sorette evaluates whether brands clearly disclose their formulation details.

Formulation Transparency

Baseline Requirements:

• Complete ingredient list

• Nutrition facts panel

• Micronutrient composition disclosed

Macronutrient Discloser

Baseline Requirements:

• Protein sources clearly identified (type specified)

• Carbohydrate sources disclosed with percentage contributions

• Fat sources and processing methods explained

Critical Nutrients

Baseline Requirements:

• DHA inclusion, source, and amount disclosed (mg per 100 kcal)

• ARA inclusion, source, and amount disclosed (mg per 100 kcal)

Allergen Information

Baseline Requirements:

• Top 9 allergen disclosure

• Allergen processing facility information

4.  Product Representation & Claims

Sorette evaluates how brands represent and substantiate their marketing claims.

Marketing Claims & Substantiation

Baseline Requirements:

• All marketing claims identified across packaging and digital channels

• Claim categories clearly disclosed (e.g., organic, non-GMO, grass-fed)

Additional Disclosure Expectations:

• Information about how claims are substantiated (e.g., certifications, scientific references)

Breast Milk Comparisons

• Any breast milk comparisons clearly described

• Scientific references or substantiation for comparisons disclosed

Marketing Practices

• Influencer and affiliate marketing practices disclosed

• Influencer disclosure guidelines shared

Packaging Safety & Labeling

Baseline Requirements:

• Brands represent that packaging is BPA-free and free from toxic linings

• Labeling does not discourage breastfeeding

Additional Disclosure Expectations:

• Information supporting packaging safety representations

5. Consumer Transparency & Access

Sorette evaluates how accessible brands make their testing and sourcing information to parents.

Public Access to Information

Baseline Requirements:

• Clear method for consumers to access product information (e.g., website, QR code, upon request)

Additional Disclosure Expectations:

• Third-party testing results accessible or plans to make accessible

• Digital transparency tools available or planned (e.g., lot code lookup, batch-specific results)

• Sourcing information publicly accessible or available upon request

• Clear pathways for parents to obtain additional product information

6.  Regulatory Alignment

Brands are evaluated on their representations about regulatory compliance and third-party certifications.

Regulatory Compliance

Baseline Requirements:

• Formal representation that formula meets FDA infant formula regulations (21 CFR 106 & 107)

Additional Disclosure Expectations:

• Disclosure of alignment with international standards (if applicable)

Third-Party Certifications

• All third-party certifications disclosed (e.g., USDA Organic, Non-GMO, grass-fed)

• Information about certifications shared

Sustainability & Sourcing Claims

• Sustainability and ethical sourcing claims clearly stated

• Information about sustainability certifications or practices shared

7. How Brands Are Scored

Sorette evaluates brands using a structured scoring approach that assesses the clarity, completeness, and consistency of disclosures.

To earn Sorette Approval, brands must meet internal thresholds across all six pillars and provide all Baseline Requirements outlined in this framework. Brands that do not disclose required baseline information are not eligible for Sorette Approval.

8. What the Sorette Seal of Approval™ Means

When a formula earns the Sorette Seal of Approval™, it means the brand met these transparency standards. This means:

•The brand provided all required baseline disclosures across sourcing, formulation,     testing, and representation

• The brand shared clear, detailed information in response to Sorette's evaluation

• The information was internally consistent

• The brand demonstrated a commitment to transparency and accountability

• Clarification discussions were conducted where needed

The Sorette Seal of Approval™ does NOT mean:

• Sorette independently tested the formula

• Sorette certified it as safe

• Sorette determined it is nutritionally superior

• Sorette is providing medical advice

• Sorette verified regulatory compliance

Sorette evaluates disclosure practices—not individual babies' needs. Feeding decisions should always be made in consultation with your pediatrician.

We do not rank formulas. We do not label products as "good" or "bad." And we do not believe there is one right way—or one right formula—to feed every baby.

9. Important Information

Sorette's evaluation is based primarily on information brands provide through an intake process and follow-up discussions. While Sorette may request supporting materials where appropriate, the evaluation focuses on the clarity and completeness of disclosures rather than independent verification of all representations. We do not independently test products or audit facilities.

As Sorette's framework evolves, future brands may be asked to provide additional documentation beyond the initial intake process.

Sorette is not liable for inaccuracies in brand-provided information. Brands are expected to notify Sorette of material changes, including formulation updates, recalls, or regulatory actions.

Sorette reserves the right to update evaluation criteria at any time and to revoke approval if circumstances change or inconsistencies are discovered. The Sorette Seal of Approval™ is a trademark available for license. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

Learn more at shopsorette.com