J. David Legan, PhD
Director of Science
David earned his Ph.D. in Food Technology from the University of Reading in the UK by modeling the ecology of mixed microbial populations, and then moved to Campden BRI in a variety of microbiological food safety research and client service roles. During that time, he was project lead for the Bacillus component of the UK’s pathogen modeling program. He moved again to Nabisco Research in New Jersey where he ran the corporate microbiology lab and developed a program of preservation technology development and microbial modeling. After the Kraft Foods acquisition, he moved to Chicago to work on Food Safety and Preservation research, and through modeling and validation studies:
- Optimized Oscar Mayer’s use of lactate and diacetate and their naturally cultured alternatives as Listeria-control agents in Ready to Eat meats
- Specified process conditions central to Oscar Mayer’s commercial launch of High Pressure Pasteurization of naturally cured RTE meats
David had responsibility for the Kraft cultures R&D group, developed a partnership to explore microwave sterilization leading to several patents, and led a program that developed an internal proprietary natural antimicrobial commercialized in several Kraft products. Technologies from his group supported approximately $4 billion in annual sales.
After years as a microbiology "client", he is now back in the "provider" role as Director of Science at Eurofins Microbiology Laboratories, Inc., by way of the Covance Food Solutions group based in Madison, WI, which he joined in 2016. In this role, he ensures appropriate method validation, explores new testing technologies, and fields multiple complicated food microbiology questions.
Products that his team has evaluated or developed and launched include:
- The 3M MDS platform in the Madison microbiology laboratory
- Flow cytometry for enumeration of probiotics
- Strain-level confirmation of probiotic identification using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
- Next-generation sequencing using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies GridION sequencing platform for microbial identification and microbiome analysis
Below are resources from David:
Explore how expanded STEC testing impacts risk management, regulatory readiness, and economics in the beef industry. Brian McFarlane breaks down why food safety decisions—especially around the Big 6 STECs—are both scientific and financial.
Explore the leading causes of childhood and adolescent obesity—from ultra-processed foods and excessive sugar to sedentary lifestyles, parental influence, mental health, and governmental policy—and learn evidence-based guidance to support healthier nutrition and habits for kids.
Explore how to comply with FSIS guidance for ready-to-eat fermented, salt-cured, and dried products with an effective validation study balancing scientific rigor, processing expertise, and craftsmanship. This article outlines how to achieve the right balance in your validation approach and how strong, data‑driven studies ultimately enhance the safety, consistency, and reliability of dried and fermented meat products.
This research poster evaluates how lactic acid interventions and high‑pressure pasteurization reduce Salmonella and Listeria in dried and fermented ready‑to‑eat salami.
Eurofins Rapid Microbiology Laboratories introduces the Advanced Learning Institute, offering accredited food safety training programs from HACCP, SQF, BRCGS, and FSPCA to practical courses on sanitation, Listeria management, auditing, and more for food manufacturers and professionals.
Explore why “food safety culture” is often overcomplicated and how CEO leadership, clear expectations, and accountability truly drive food safety success.
As the industry looks ahead, the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) offers a pivotal launch point for 2026 and a chance for producers and processors to explore new solutions that strengthen operations. This webinar is designed to help you get a head start. Join us for a preview of the key issues, trends, and testing strategies we’re watching for the year ahead. Originally Aired on December 10, 2025
Bird Flu (H5N1) is spreading among birds, cattle, and humans. Experts warn it may be just one mutation away from human-to-human transmission.
Eurofins announces the formation of Eurofins Rapid Microbiology Laboratories, LLC, enhancing rapid testing speed, accuracy, and service for U.S. perishable markets.
Learn how to prevent, manage, and respond to a USDA NR (noncompliance record) in USDA-regulated facilities. This guide offers practical tips for minimizing USDA noncompliance records through strong food safety systems, communication, and expert support.
