Abstract: Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful food inspection technology. When the sample is adsorbed on the surface of metal structure with nanometer roughness, the Raman signal of the sample molecule will be greatly enhanced.The detection technology has the characteristics of high sensitivity, rapid response and "fingerprint" identification, and has great application prospects in the rapid detection of food contaminants. In this paper, the development history, basic principle, basement classification and combined technology of SERS are introduced. The latest applications of SERS in heavy metal ions, veterinary drug residues, pesticide residues, illegal additives, food-borne pathogenic microorganisms and other aspects are summarized.Furthermore, the urgent problems and development trends are put forward (74 ref. cited).