Zearalenone (ZEN, ZEA) is an oestrogenic mycotoxin produced by a variety of Fusarium fungi, which contaminate cearal, such as corn, wheat and their derivates. This paper reviews the development status of various microorganisms degrading ZEN, focusing on detoxifying efficiency and toxicity of the products, especially Acinetobacter sp. SM04, Gliocladium roseum IFO 7063, Trichosporon mycotoxinivorans and Pseudomonas sp. ZEN-1 being comprehensively researched. Then it summarizes the key enzymes and action mechanisms of ZEN degrading, which lays a foundation on researches of microbial degradation of zearalenone, and also develops a broader way to the degradation of microlide and aromatic compounds.