The work aims to introduce the application of antibacterial agents in the plastic packaging and the research progress at home and abroad, expound the mechanism of action, advantages and disadvantages of antibacterial agents in improving the antibacterial properties of packaging materials, and focus on the safety evaluation of antibacterial agents in the field of plastic packaging materials. The research status of antibacterial agents in plastic packaging materials at home and abroad was summed up, the classification of antibacterial agents and the preparation method of antibacterial plastics were briefly introduced, and the application and progress of antibacterial agents in the field of plastic packaging materials were emphatically sorted and analyzed. The safety aspects of antibacterial agents in plastics were discussed. Antibacterial agents in plastic packaging could improve the antibacterial properties of packaging materials. However, in the process of contact with food, these agents might migrate into food. An in-depth research on the migration mechanism of antibacterial components in antibacterial plastics was conducted, which helped people understand the safety of food contact materials and better develop food contact materials. Antibacterial plastic packaging should not only provide antibacterial properties for packaging materials, but also ensure its safety.