Abstract: The synergistic sterilization approach, which combines ultrasound with light, serves as an emerging green non-thermal sterilization technology that can effectively overcome the limitations of single technology application and markedly enhance antibacterial efficacy against foodborne pathogens. This enhancement in antibacterial efficacy is achieved through the direct synergistic effects of physical energy, without the need for exogenous sono/photosensitizers, and offers distinct advantages in terms of efficiency and environmental sustainability. This paper provides an overview of the current progress regarding the sterilization efficacy, mechanisms and practical applications of ultrasound, light (including UV light, blue light, infrared light and pulsed light) as well as their combination (primarily UV and blue light) on various microorganisms. Studies have demonstrated that ultrasound-light synergistic sterilization technology can not only remarkably improve the inactivation efficiency against foodborne pathogens, but also well preserve food product quality, thus providing a novel technical approach for food non-thermal sterilization. Future research should aim to further clarify the underlying synergistic mechanisms, expand the application scope, and accelerate the industrialization of this technology in the food sector. Overall, this paper provides a solid theoretical reference for the development and practical application of ultrasound-light synergistic sterilization technology.