21 CFR §1.611
Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
- (a)An accreditation body seeking recognition must demonstrate that it has the authority (as a governmental entity or as a legal entity with contractual rights) to perform assessments of a third-party certification body as are necessary to determine its capability to conduct audits and certify food facilities and food, including authority to:
- (1)Review any relevant records;
- (2)Conduct onsite assessments of the performance of third-party certification bodies, such as by witnessing the performance of a representative sample of its agents (or, in the case of a third-party certification body that is an individual, such individual) conducting a representative sample of audits;
- (3)Perform any reassessments or surveillance necessary to monitor compliance of accredited third-party certification bodies; and
- (4)Suspend, withdraw, or reduce the scope of accreditation for failure to comply with the requirements of accreditation.
- (b)An accreditation body seeking recognition must demonstrate that it is capable of exerting the authority (as a governmental entity or as a legal entity with contractual rights) necessary to meet the applicable requirements of this subpart, if recognized.