The investigation on toxicity of stainless steel has been reviewed.Many countries have established laws to guarantee food safety of stainless steel containers.The development of food safety standards with respect to the use of stainless steels in China has been analyzed.Influence of stainless steel grades and food ingredients on the release of metal ions has been reviewed briefly.The effect of surface condition on the release of metal ions has also been analyzed.Finally,the food safety issues with respect to the use of stainless steel products have been presented systematically. The investigation on toxicity of stainless steel has been reviewed. M countries have established laws to guarantee food safety of stainless steel containers. The development of food safety standards with respect to the use of stainless steels in China has been analyzed .luence of stainless steel grades and food ingredients on the release of metal ions has been reviewed briefly. the effect of surface condition on the release of metal ions has also been analyzed .Finally, the food safety issues with respect to the use of stainless steel products have been presented systematically.