Objective To develop a rap id method for the detection and quantification of S taphylococcal enterotoxin B ( SEB) in foods. Method Using colloid gold as a marker and utilizing double-antibody sandwich immunochromatographic assay to rap idly detect S taphylococcal enterotoxin B in foods, and to evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of the method. The quantification was realized by constructing a standard curve. The feasibility of the method was tested by adding SEB to various food samp les, such as milk powder. Results The qualitative as well as semi-quantitative detection could be comp leted in 5-10 min. The limit of detection was 8 ng/ml; the linear range was from 8 ng/ml to 1000 ng/ml. The recovery rate was 120.82% and 120.23%. The specificity and sensitivity of the method was good, and the samp les could be detected directly after simp le p rocessing. Conclusion The established colloidal gold immunochromatographic assaywas able to detect SEB in food samp les rap idly, specifically, sensitively and accurately, and was able to realize quantitative detection in the fields.