To investigate the chromium contamination of sea worm jelly in Xiamen market and to propose the preventive measures against chromium contamination of sea worm jelly based on analysis of the source. Methods A total of 81 samples of sea worm jelly and 9 samples of polypide were collected in Xiamen market from 2012-2014 and 6 samples of Phascolosoma esculenta, silt and seawater were collected from Ningde. The concentrations of Cr in the samples were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry according to GB/T 5009.123-2003. Results The chromium content of 81 samples were 0.024-17.6 mg/kg, the average content was 2.17 mg/kg,and the median was 1.33 mg/kg. The qualified rate was 58.0%. The concentration of Cr in sea worm jelly was changed from 1.33 to 5.35 mg/kg after adding gelatin. The contents of Cr in the Phascolosoma esculenta, silt and seawater from Ningde area were 2.67-2.70,8.5-77.9,0.038-0.046 mg/kg, respectively. Conclusion The chromium contamination in the sea worm jelly was severely in Xiamen. Supervision and monitoring on the raw materials, production, sales of the sea worm jelly should be strengthened to ensure food safety.