Compressed air is a risk in food processing facilities that can cause microbial contamination of food products, leading to possible foodborne illnesses, costly recalls, and failed audits. To avoid these outcomes, it is in a manufacturer's best interest to adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) relating to compressed air quality standards recommended by Global Food Safety Initiatives (SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000).

Receiving certification from GFSI-recognized auditing bodies such as the Safe Quality Food (SQF) program can not only help a company better ensure food safety but, by being held to an industrywide standard, it can also instill greater confidence in a brand’s product among retail buyers and other supply chain partners. However, many companies are unable to pass audits and receive certification, stripping them of the ability to demonstrate their compliance with industry best practices to customers. The reasons for difficulty passing SQF and other GFSI-recognized audits may vary, with dense and complex codes providing ample opportunities for confusion about GMPs and revealing possible pitfalls in the production process.