The work aims to provide objective basis for industry production and supervision via analyzing the applicability of consumption indicators for potassium permanganate in food-contact paper and paper products. Through reviewing the status of domestic and foreign standards on food-contact materials and product, combining with the practical problems in the detection of potassium permanganate consumption in food-contact paper and paper products, the sources of potassium permanganate consumption in food-contact paper and paper products were analyzed. The future trends of scientific research and standardization work were prospected. It was found that the consumption limit of potassium permanganate in food-contact paper and paper products was strict in China. The sampling amount of soaking solution, the control of heating temperature and the opportunity of oxalic acid addition in the test method affected the test results. The contribution rate of lignin, hemicellulose, starch and other natural components to potassium acid consumption was high. The standard GB 31604.2—2016 can further standardize the operation steps, such as the control of heating temperature, the timing of oxalic acid addition, sample volume or dilution operation, etc., to reduce the experimental error and misjudgment risk. The applicability of potassium permanganate consumption index and its correlation with food safety risk should be further evaluated according to the contribution rate of each component in paper products to potassium permanganate consumption.