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Misuse of certificates

When rules for certificate use are violated or certification conditions are no longer met, the persons concerned risk a penalty. EIT Food Assessment investigates reported misuse, with potential consequences ranging from certificate suspension to revocation and future exclusion from certification processes.

When is there misuse of certification?

Misuse of a certificate occurs if:

  • The rules for certificate use, especially the rights and duties of the certificate holder, are violated.
  • The conditions for certification are no longer met or were obtained through false statements.

What's the procedure to verify misuse of certificates?

Upon discovering misuse, EIT Food Assessment will first verify the misuse. The certificate holder will be informed and asked to respond. The severity of the violation will be assessed. The head of EIT Food Assessment may decide to revoke the certificate immediately or suspend it until the misuse is corrected. If the deadline is not met, the certificate will be revoked.

The certificate holder will be informed of the decision by EIT Food Assessment staff.

What are the consequences of misuse of certification?

If EIT Food Assessment becomes aware of misuse or unauthorized changes to certificates through third-party complaints or self-reporting by certificate holders, the misuse will be investigated. In cases of severe or unresolved misuse, the certificate will be revoked. The decision is made by the head of EIT Food Assessment. The certificate status will be set to “invalid,” and recertification is not possible. In severe cases, the candidate may be barred from all future procedures by EIT Food Assessment.

Suspension of a certificate

Reasons for suspension

A certificate may be suspended due to:

  • Misuse of the certificate.
  • Failure to meet monitoring requirements.
  • Self-reporting of non-compliance by the certificate holder.

Terms of suspension investigation

Upon learning of a suspension reason, EIT Food Assessment will promptly investigate. The certificate holder will be informed of the findings and may be asked to respond. The head of EIT Food Assessment will decide on the suspension within one week of starting the investigation.

Consequences of suspending a certificate

If suspension is decided, the certification is immediately paused, and the certificate status is set to “invalid.” The certificate holder must cease all references to the certification.

Can a certificate suspension be withdrawn?

The misuse or violation must be corrected within two weeks. Missing monitoring evidence can be submitted within six months. The certification will be reactivated once EIT Food Assessment verifies that the suspension reason has been resolved. The decision will be communicated to the certificate holder within two weeks of receiving proof of resolution.

Revocation of a certificate

Reasoning for revocation

  • Severe or unresolved misuse occurs.
  • Monitoring requirements are not met.
  • The certificate holder fails to adhere to the rights and duties outlined in the normative document.
  • The certificate holder’s professional work does not meet the required standards.

Terms of revocation investigation

If a reason for revocation is identified, EIT Food Assessment will investigate immediately. The certificate holder will be informed of the allegations and may respond. The head of EIT Food Assessment will decide on the revocation within two weeks of starting the investigation and will notify the certificate holder in writing.

Consequences of revoking a certificate

If revoked, the certificate status is set to “invalid.” The former certificate holder must cease all references to the certification and return the certificate to EIT Food Assessment. Recertification is not possible. In severe cases, the candidate may be barred from all future procedures by EIT Food Assessment.

All correspondence with the certificate holder will be documented and filed by the secretariat.

Wish to report misuse of a certificate?

Have you noticed a false claim of a certificate by EIT Food Assessment? Please fill in our contact form, so our head of EIT Food Assessment can assess an investigation for suspension and/or revocation.