As a broad-spectrum preservative, sodium dehydroacetate(DHA-S) was once used in a variety of foods. However, with the systematic research on its toxic effects, the potential threats to human health posed by DHA-S have been widely recognized globally, and its use has gradually been restricted or prohibited. Incorporating the metabolic kinetics characteristics of DHA-S, the toxic effects of DHA-S, including inducing coagulation disorders, damaging the cardiovascular system, disrupting bone metabolism balance, inducing oxidative damage, increasing antibiotic resistance, disrupting energy metabolism and causing skin allergies, were comprehensively reviewed. Moreover, by analyzing the current application status and developmental trajectory of DHA-S as a food additive both domestically and internationally, the possible safety risks were discussed. The purpose is to improve the safety cognition and risk prevention of DHA-S, and then promote the comprehensive prohibition of the application of DHA-S as a food additive in China.