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:
Certain seasonal botanicals may play a vital role in supporting women's health and overall wellness. Shatavari, dong quai, and milky oats are known for their deeply nurturing qualities, fostering balance, resilience, and gentle strength within the body. Click the link to continue exploring the benefits of these plants and their contributions to health and well-being.
Learn how data-driven E. coli testing improves process control and food safety in beef plants. Explore sampling strategies, harvest monitoring, and microbial analytics to reduce contamination risks and enhance regulatory compliance.
From ancient remedies to modern lab techniques, the science of vitamins has come a long way. Vitamin analysis plays a key role in making sure we get the right nutrients, whether through supplements, food, or baby formula. Keep reading to find out how testing is becoming more precise and efficient.
In the world of dietary supplements and botanical materials, accurate identity testing is essential for product safety, regulatory compliance, and consumer confidence. One of the most effective tools in this area is Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), particularly in its high-performance form (HPTLC). Continue reading to find an overview of HPTLC, compendial HPTLC methods, selecting a fit-for-purpose method, the acceptance criteria, and the advantages and limitations of compendial methods.
California passed Assembly Bill 899, a law aimed at holding baby food manufacturers to a higher standard and mandating monthly testing of finished baby food products. As concerns grow about heavy metals in food, especially in infant formula, we must find a way to protect these vulnerable individuals. Read more about California Bill 899 by clicking the link.
Infant formula is often the sole source of nutrition for many infants, so it must be perfect. Testing standards can ensure that the nutrients in infant formula products are exactly at the level they are supposed to be and have become the guideline for measuring the quality of infant formulas. Learn what defines today’s testing standards—check it out now.
Modern infant formula is a remarkable achievement in nutritional science, meticulously designed to meet or exceed all essential dietary needs for infants. Read this editorial by Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing CSO, Darryl Sullivan to learn about the rigorous analytical testing and regulatory requirements that companies must meet to bring infant formula to market.
Whether you're formulating a botanical powder, validating a nutrient claim, or verifying supplier specifications, reporting on a dry matter basis ensures that decisions are grounded in reliable, standardized data. Click to read a simple explanation of dry matter basis reporting, when it matters, and why.
Fortifying foods and dietary supplements with vitamins, minerals, and bioactives has become a key strategy for innovation and value. Understanding and planning around the LOQ is vital to protecting both your product integrity and your brand credibility. Continue reading to learn how to proactively evaluate your nutrient levels against assay capabilities.
Botanical innovation is reshaping how companies approach sourcing, formulation, and delivery. Learn how forward-thinking brands are aligning strategy, ensuring scalability, and meeting rising consumer and regulatory demands.
