The aims of the present study were to examine the use of a flexible thin-layer plasma system in inactivating bacteria and mold on beef jerky in a commercial package and to evaluate the physicochemical changes of the jerky. After plasma treatment for 10 min, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Aspergillus flavus populations on the beef jerky were reduced by approximately 2 to 3 Log CFU/g. No significant changes in metmyoglobin content, shear force, and myofibrillar fragmentation index were found in the plasma-treated beef jerky. On the other hand, the peroxide content and L* value were decreased whereas the a* and Delta E value were increased in the plasma-treated sample. Sensory evaluation indicated negative effects of plasma treatment on flavor, off-odor, and overall acceptability of the beef jerky. In conclusion, the flexible thin-layer plasma system could be employed as a means for decontamination of beef jerky, with slight changes to the physicochemical quality of the product. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.