As a sex hormone estradiol (E2) is the most important form of estrogen in humans and animals, it triggers many of the developments of the reproductive system that begin in puberty, which is involved in a number of physiological processes, including development of the female reproductive structures and secondary sexual characteristics. E2is a typical natural estrogen used extensively in livestock production for growth promotion and performance improvement, widely exist in the environment, and attract much attention due to their high biological estrogen-like effects and carcinogenicity. Therefore, in order to ensure food safety and human physiological health it has very important practical significance to monitor and control the estradiol residues in food source and improve detection technology research and application. In order to provide the references of E2biological activity research and establish convenient and effective detection techniques, this review clarify main residual sources, hazard analysis and detection techniques of food source E2residual.