Abstract: Foodborne pathogens are one of the most main factors causing food safety problems. Traditional methods for detecting foodborne pathogens have drawbacks which have not only long detection time but also have poor specificity and sensitivity. Nowadays, with the progress and development of biological and electronic technology, many new detection methods have emerged. Biosensor is one of the technologies with broad application and market prospects. Using biosensor technology can achieve efficient, rapid and real-time detection and monitor of microorganisms in food, thereby it pioneers a new developing direction for the establishment of system to detect foodborne pathogens rapidly. This paper introduces the basic principles and classifications of biosensors, reviews the application and development of common and different biosensors in the detection of foodborne pathogens in food, compares their advantages and disadvantages, and summarizes existing development bottlenecks of commercialization and prospects for further trends.