Factors influencing bactericidal efficacy using atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) against Escherichia coli in wheat flour

•Atmospheric cold plasma was a useful technique for reducing E.coli in flour.•Effects of operating factors were evaluated for the bactericidal effect of ACP.•If ACP is applied at un-optimized operating conditions, excessive heating may occur.•Excessive heating occurred by the ACP leads to the denaturation of flour properties.•The suitable operating factors suggest for sterilization of wheat flour using ACP.