Excessive heavy metals which are harm to human health, many countries have paid more attention to limit standards of heavy metals in food, and there are more and more studies on analysis and detection of heavy metals. The traditional detection methods are mature, high sensitivity. But the general defects of traditional detection methods such as tedious operation, high cost, large-scale equipment and skilled professionals. ELISA method has excellent specificity and sensitivity, and it can be used for rapid detection on site, so develop rapidly. ELISA detection of heavy metals including four key steps: sample pretreatment, synthesis of artificial antigen, preparation of specific antibody, selecting ELISA method. The recent progress of ELISA detection of heavy metals is briefly reviewed in this article. Future development trends and prospects are also proposed in order to provide a relevant gist for detection of heavy metals in food.