Resistance of foodborne pathogens to low pH environments is often considered an important determinant of disease, which helps bacteria pass through the stomach and can cause illness at very low infective doses. This paper mainly reviews the research progress in the acid-resistant mechanism of three main amino acid decarboxylase systems of Escherichia coli (glutamic acid decarboxylase system, arginine decarboxylase system and lysine decarboxylase system). In order to provide a new understanding for the control of bacterial contamination in food processing industry, and also provide a theoretical basis for the subsequent development of new strategies for the prevention and treatment of pathogenic bacteria infection.