Section 1.611 - What legal authority must an accreditation body have to qualify for recognition?(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.