我国食品行业使用的保鲜剂可分为化学合成保鲜剂和天然保鲜剂。随着化学合成保鲜剂引起的食品安全问题的出现，天然保鲜剂因其绿色、环保、安全、无毒成了研究的热点。牛至精油作为天然植物保鲜剂的一种，以广谱的抑菌效果和抗氧化活性在食品保鲜行业快速发展。从牛至精油的特性、保鲜机制出发，论述其在果蔬、肉制品、蛋类和奶酪保鲜中的应用现状，并探讨牛至精油在食品保鲜中存在的问题，以期为牛至精油的广泛应用提供理论基础。

Chemical synthetic preservatives and natural preservatives are the two main preservatives in China′s food industry. With the concern of food safety problems caused by chemical synthetic preservatives, natural preservatives became a research hot spot because of their environmental protection, safe and non-toxicity. Oregano essential oil as a natural plant preservative rapidly developed for its broad-spectrum antibacterial effect and antioxidant activity in food preservation industry. Based on the characteristics of oregano essential oil and their preservation mechanism, this paper discusses its application in preservation of fruits and vegetables, meat products, eggs and cheese. The problems of oregano essential oil in food preservation was also discussed, it provides a theoretical basis for the further use of oregano essential oil.