To understand the prevalence of food-borne pathogens and the status of chemical pollutants and harmful factors in food in Kunming in 2011, and provide the scientific basis for food safety assessment, drafting and amendment of food safety standards.MethodsUsing the multistage stratified random sampling method, a total of 334samples were selected from local residents’ main purchase places. The detection was in accordance with the handbook of food-borne pathogens and chemical pollutants and harmful factors. ResultsThe contamination rate for pathogenic bacteria in foods was 12.6%. The violation rate of total bacterial count and coliform group were 46.1% and 41.6%. There was a difference in total bacterial count and coliform group in categories. The violation rate of instant non-fermented bean products in total bacterial count was 78.9%, the highest among categories. The violation rates of coliform in descending order were cooked rice products, instant non-fermented bean products, meat products, frozen rice products and cakes. Mildew and Bacillus cereus in food were the most prevalent. Escherichia coli O157, Salmonella and Shigella were not detected. The violation rate of aflatoxin M_1in milk and dairy products were 45.0%. The violation rate of acesulfame potsddium in candied roasted seeds, nuts were 5.0%. Ethyl carbamate was detected in all wine samples.ConclusionThe violation rates of total bacterial count, coliform group, mildew in quick-freeze, aflatoxin M_1in milk and dairy products were high. The supervision and management in food processing, transportation, distribution and other aspects should be strengthened.