This article gave an outline of the scientific knowledge on phthalates about their toxicity and regulations in USA,EU,Japan and China.The toxicity of PAEs varied with their molecular weight.The management of PAEs in above authorities was different.We also summarized the analytical methods for foods,food contact materials and biological samples in the recent five years.The results showed that different levels of PAEs could be found in food and biological samples.There are urgent needs for more validated analytical methods,enhancing exposure assessment and developing more rational regulations to protect the consumers.