Acidic electrolyzed water(AEW)is produced by passing a diluted salt solution through an electrolytic cell,within which the anode and cathode are separated by a membrane.AEW,with low pH(2.3~2.7),high oxidation reduction potential(ORP,>11 00mV),contains free chlorine,is produced frOm anode side.AEW exhibits the following advantages over other traditional disinfectant:high effectiveness,easy operation,safety and environmentally friendly.As a new type of disinfectant,it is widely used in the medical treatment,food processing,agriculture and environmental protection and other industries.The generation principles and characteristics of AEW,the advantages and disadvantaaes and the bactericidal effect and mechanism of AEW were summarized,the application of AEW in the food industry and problems were introduced,and the prospect was forecasted.