Objective To investigate the current risk assessment approaches on genotoxic carcinogens in food, so as to provide methodology support for the establishment of genotoxic carcinogens risk assessment system in China. Methods The current reviews and guidelines for risk assessment approaches on genotoxic carcinogens in foods were collected and the advantages and disadvantages as well as the applicability of different methods were analyzed and compared, the content that could be used or referred for risk assessment in China were investigated. Results Currently, risk assessment approaches for genotoxic carcinogens include as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA), threshold of toxicological concern (TTC), low dose extrapolation of data from rodent carcinogenicity bioassays, and margin of exposure (MOE). Although ALARA principle is easy to understand, it fails to provide any guidance on measurement of risk level and thus is unable to provide reliable evidence to make practical risk management suggestions. TTC approach, within its range of application, can be used for screening assessment when there was lack of dose-response data. When there were sufficient dose-response data from animal studies, both MOE and low dose extrapolation approaches can be applied, yet MOE approach was preferred. Conclusion China should actively participate in international risk assessment for genotoxic carcinogens in food, develop in-depth scientific research into genotoxic carcinogens, and establish technical system for risk assessment of genotoxic carcinogens in food as soon as possible.