The work aims to introduce the research progress of antibacterial polylactic acid composite film used in food packaging, analyze the mechanism of action and advantages and disadvantages of different antibacterial agents, and prospect the application and development of antibacterial polylactic acid film in packaging. The preparation method of PLA antibacterial composite membrane was introduced; the research status of PLA antibacterial composite membrane at home and abroad was summarized. Its mechanism was analyzed, and its application and development were discussed. The result showed that the antibacterial composite material of PLA had good antibacterial effect on common food contamina-tion bacteria and could effectively prolong the preservation period of food. It has significant potential in food packaging. The application of PLA antibacterial composite material in food packaging is green, environmentally friendly and pollution-free, and has a very broad development prospect. At present, the research on PLA antibacterial material is relatively traditional and single. Its further research should be conducted in the direction of being more efficient, safer and more environmentally friendly.