The work aims to explore the development status of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs), to provide reference for further development and application of μPADs. The μPADs were introduced according to the detection principle and fabrication techniques through study of literature. Furthermore, the application research progress of μPADs in food safety detection was summarized. The μPADs were applicable to colorimetric method, fluorescence method, electrochemical method and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy, etc. The fabrication techniques also presented a diversified development trend. The μPADs detection technology has been successfully applied to the safety detection of food additives, pollutants, composition analysis and intelligent food packaging. The μPADs have huge application potential but it is still necessary to further optimize the technical process to overcome the potential bottlenecks restricting its development.