Abstract: This paper reviewed the antimicrobial properties of Gallic acid against the common food spoilage and foodborne pathogens. The minimal inhibitory concentration was measured through the liquid doubling dilution method, and the antimicrobial properties were screened by oxford cup. The Microplate Reader was used to detect the growth curves. The modification on strain morphology of Listeria monocytogenes was investigated by scanning electron microscope. Results showed that the minimal inhibitory concentrations of Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtillis, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus megaterium were 0. 125, 0. 25, 2, 4, 4 and 4mg/mL, the antibacterial circles were 24. 03±0. 17, 20. 67±0. 28, 17. 17±0. 64, 14. 43±0. 10, 14. 77±0. 04 and (15. 07±0. 03) mm. Growth curves were changed. Observation under scanning electron microscope revealed that the Listeria monocytogenes depressed on center, most of the cell walls were damaged and obvious contents were leaked out.