Food emulsifier is one of the most consumable food additives, which occupies a very important position in food production and food processing. 49 kinds of food emulsifiers and food additives with emulsifying function approved by National Standard for Food Safety-Standard for the Use of Food Additives (GB 2760—2014) are introduced. The preparation, properties, and application research progress of domestic food emulsifiers are overviewed. Safety evaluation about 114 kinds of food emulsifiers and food additives with emulsifying function by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) is summarized. The research hot issues and development trend of global food emulsifiers are prospected.