Quorum sensing (QS) plays a major role in the outbreak mechanism of foodborne diseases caused by food poisoning and food spoilage. QS affects the formation of cell membrane and pathogenicity ofpathogenic bacteria. Through the in-depth understanding of QS molecules of food-borne pathogens, we describe here the types of signal molecules produced by Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and the differences in QS molecules. Meanwhile, we introduce the detection of QS molecules by different technologies. According to the influence of QS on food, we propose also future research needs for the control of foodborne pathogenic bacteria.