Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy（SERS）is a novel and rapid detection technique，and it has a great practical value in food safety field with many advantages such as rich information，high sensitivity，easy operation and non destructive testing.The development，principle，classification and application of substrate,and detection modes of SERS are introduced in this article，while the latest progresses of the rapid detection by SERS in food harmful small molecular substances，foodborne pathogens and heavy metal pollution as well as mycotoxins are also summarized.Furthermore，some problems to be solved and the developing trend of SERS in food safety detection are both proposed.