Abstract: Objective The study was conducted to explore the source of pollution with the understanding of general pathogenic bacteria pollution of food in Shantou for further scientific preventive and control measures. Methods Samples were collected for pathogenic bacteria detection in marketplace、supermarket and milk company in summer and autumn from 2004 to 2006. Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in food and Vibrio parahaemolyticus from seafood were differentiated and identified according to the national standard guidelines. Results 56 pathogenic bacteria samples were identified in the 251 samples of five categories, the isolating rate being 22.31%(56/251). The specific isolating rates were: salmonella 5(1.99%), Listeria monocytogenes 50(19.92%), and Escherichiacoli O157:H7 1(0.40%). The isolating rate of vibrio parahaemolyticus in seafood reached 41.93% (13/31). Conclusion Pathogens contaminated food should be paid high attention to in Shantou. Five kinds of major food were all polluted by pathogenic bacteria to specific extents. Safe and sanitary food should be guaranteed by strengthened surveillance for pathogenic bacteria and exploration of polluting source, as well as specific control and prevention, which is the key to the prevention of food-borne diseases.