In this review, the antimicrobial effect of plant polyphenols on foodborne pathogenic microorganisms was firstly comprehensively summarized, and the antimicrobial mechanisms of plant polyphenols were elucidated from the aspects of cell morphology destruction, cell membrane potential, normal energy metabolism and inhibition of macromolecular synthesis. Moreover, the applications of plant polyphenols as potential preservatives in food fresh keeping and storage were generalized. Finally, the current problems about antimicrobial mechanisms and applications of plant polyphenols were analyzed.