In food manufacturing environments, compressed air is classified as a processing ingredient — it contacts your product directly or indirectly at multiple points in production.
That means air quality isn’t just a mechanical concern. It’s a food safety and regulatory compliance requirement.
For BC’s food processing sector — food manufacturers, seafood processors, bakeries, and meat operations across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley — managing compressed air quality is part of every food safety program.
Food manufacturers operating under CFIA, SQF, BRC, or other frameworks must assess, control, and document the quality of their compressed air. For air that contacts food directly, Class 0 oil content (no detectable oil) is the standard.
🔵 Oil-free compressors — eliminate oil contamination at the source
💧 Air dryers — moisture creates conditions for microbial growth and product contamination
🔬 Multi-stage filtration — particulate and sterile filtration for direct product-contact applications
📋 Certified air quality testing — written reports suitable for food safety audits
📁 Maintenance documentation — audit-ready service records
Motion Air Compressors provides certified air quality testing with written reports suitable for CFIA, SQF, BRC, and third-party food safety audits. We understand food safety documentation requirements and help BC food manufacturers stay audit-ready year-round.
What is the ISO 8573-1 standard for food manufacturing compressed air?
ISO 8573-1 classifies compressed air quality by particulate content, moisture (pressure dew point), and oil content. For food-contact applications, Class 0 oil content — no detectable oil — is the standard, which requires oil-free compressor equipment.
How often does food-grade compressed air need to be tested?
Testing frequency depends on your food safety certification requirements. SQF and BRC typically require annual testing at minimum, with some certifications requiring more frequent checks. Motion Air Compressors provides certified testing with written reports.
Can our existing oil-lubricated compressor be upgraded to meet food safety standards?
In some cases, adding high-quality multi-stage filtration (including activated carbon and sterile filters) can achieve acceptable air quality for indirect contact applications. For direct food contact, oil-free equipment is strongly recommended and increasingly expected by auditors.
Ready to get started? Contact Motion Air Compressors today — we come to you across Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Whistler, Vancouver Island, and throughout BC.
