The paper reviews the challenges and solutions in the anaerobic digestion (AD) of food waste (FW), which is characterized by high organic content, moisture, fat, and salt. The main issues discussed include foaming, acidification, NH4+-N inhibition, and the presence of emerging contaminants such as antibiotics, microplastics, and plasticizers. To address these challenges, the authors propose pretreatment, co-digestion, and the use of additives. Pretreatment methods like thermal, chemical, and enzymatic treatments are effective in improving the biodegradability and reducing toxic substances. Co-digestion with other substrates like algae, sludge, and manure can balance nutrient levels and reduce inhibitions. Additives such as biochar and iron-based materials enhance microbial activity and biogas yield. The paper concludes with future research directions, emphasizing the need for further optimization of pretreatments, substrate selection for co-digestion, and the environmental impact of biogas residue.The paper reviews the challenges and solutions in the anaerobic digestion (AD) of food waste (FW), which is characterized by high organic content, moisture, fat, and salt. The main issues discussed include foaming, acidification, NH4+-N inhibition, and the presence of emerging contaminants such as antibiotics, microplastics, and plasticizers. To address these challenges, the authors propose pretreatment, co-digestion, and the use of additives. Pretreatment methods like thermal, chemical, and enzymatic treatments are effective in improving the biodegradability and reducing toxic substances. Co-digestion with other substrates like algae, sludge, and manure can balance nutrient levels and reduce inhibitions. Additives such as biochar and iron-based materials enhance microbial activity and biogas yield. The paper concludes with future research directions, emphasizing the need for further optimization of pretreatments, substrate selection for co-digestion, and the environmental impact of biogas residue.