An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the determination of heavy metal Cadmium ion (Cd2+) residues in food was established. ITCBE was coupled with Cd2+ and conjugated to bovine serum albumin (BSA) and ovalbumin (OVA) to obtain Cd-ITCBE-BSA as immunogen and Cd-ITCBE-OVA as coating antigen, which were identified by ultraviolet spectrum (UV). Cd-ITCBE-BSA was injected to Balb/c mice to produce antiserum. The immunological characteristics of the antiserum were identified, which further proved the success of synthesis. On this basis, an ic-ELISA was established after optimizing the conditions. The limit of detection (IC10) was 0.18 ng/mL, the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) was 1.15 ng/mL, and the linear range (IC20~IC80) was 0.24~5.54 ng/mL. Except for a cross-reactivity of 2.16% with Hg2+, the cross-reactivity with Pb2+, Fe3+, Cu2+ and Cr3+ were all less than 0.3%. The coefficients of variation within and between plates were both less than 10%. This antibody has strong specificity and high sensitivity, and the established ELISA method can be applied to the rapid detection of heavy metal cadmium in food.