The work aims to introduce the preparation methods, antibacterial activity and mechanism of ZnO nanoparticles, as well as its application in food packaging material. The research status of ZnO nanoparticles in food packaging materials at home and abroad was summed up, and their safety issues and future development trends were also briefly discussed. ZnO nanoparticles can not only provide antimicrobial activity for the packaging material, but also improve the properties of packaging materials. ZnO nanoparticles have already been applied in the food packaging materials.