Abstract: Formaldehyde has been prohibited to use as an additive to foodstuffs in China.This article provided an overview of formaldehyde in food, focusing on sources, the different types of its present, and determination methods.Formaldehyde detection methods in seven standards of China were compared with each other.Currently, it is necessary to revise or develop a new method for accurate qualitative and quantitative determination of formaldehyde in food.It has a positive impact on fight against illegal addition of formaldehyde and protecting public health.