Abstract: With the development of molecular biology, a growing number of new strategies have been used in studies in food
microbiology. High-throughput sequencing, a newly burgeoning culture-independent technique, is characterized by rapid,
sensitive and comprehensive analysis of large volume of data and has been recently introduced into food microbial ecology.
In this review, we summarize the process of high-throughput sequencing and its application in food microbial ecology. The
limitations and advantages of this technique are discussed, and future prospects for its application in food microbial ecology
are presented as well. The aim is to provide a reference for the development of food microbial ecology.

Key words: food microbial ecology, high-throughput sequencing, diversity, microflora