20Suspension or revocation of accreditation

20 Suspension or revocation of accreditation

(1)  The Chief Inspector may by written notice suspend or revoke an accreditation if satisfied that –

(a) the accreditation was obtained improperly; or

(b) the accredited producer –

(i) has ceased to engage in the primary production activity authorised by the accreditation; or

(ii) has not paid fees or charges payable to the Chief Inspector or an approved food safety auditor within the required time; or

(iii) has committed an offence against this Act or the Food Act 2003 ; or

(iv) has been convicted of an indictable offence.

(2)  A suspension under this section may be for a specified period, or until the fulfilment of specified conditions, or until further order of the Chief Inspector.

(3)  A suspension under this section may be expressed to take effect at a specified future time, or to take effect at a specified future time unless a specified condition is fulfilled.

(4)  Before the Chief Inspector suspends or revokes an accreditation under this section, the Chief Inspector must –

(a) give written notice to the accredited producer specifying the reasons for the proposed suspension or revocation; and

(b) allow the accredited producer at least 14 days within which to make submissions to the Chief Inspector in relation to the proposed suspension or revocation.

(5)  If the Chief Inspector suspends or revokes an accreditation under this section, the producer must return the accreditation to the Chief Inspector within 14 days of the date on which the suspension or revocation takes effect.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 10 penalty units.

(6)  If the Chief Inspector revokes an accreditation under this section, the person who held the accreditation is excluded from applying for a new accreditation under this Act for a period of 12 months from the date of revocation.