Because of the way jerky is treated, they need something apart from preservatives (usually just citric acid) to prevent oxidation and moisture retention. These “oxygen packets,” as they’re most commonly referred to, are not to be ingested under any means. Though they’re vacuum-sealed in the container with the beef jerky, they don’t flavor, harm or taint the jerky in any way, shape or form. They’re simply there as a non-invasive means of maintaining freshness.\r