Ergot alkaloids are a type of alkaloids secondary metabolic produced by Claviceps or Epichlo? spp infected with black barley， wheat， rye， rice， corn， oats， and various other gramineous plants. Long-term exposure to ergot alkaloids can result in extensive toxic effects on the nervous， reproductive， liver， kidney， cardiovascular and other organ systems. These effects can induce neurological， genetic development and cardiovascular damage and diseases. Acute poisoning can lead to gangrenous ergot poisoning and spastic ergot poisoning. This paper provides an overview of the physicochemical properties and biosynthesis of ergot alkaloids， as well as a summary of the pollution status， exposure toxicity and techniques for prevention and control reduction of ergot alkaloids. It aims to offer a reference for the development of strategies to prevent and control ergot alkaloid pollution in food raw materials and products.