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:
Eurofins Supplement Testing and the Eurofins Assurance network are pleased to announce that their Certified Dietary Supplement and Clean Sport Certified programs are now incorporated into SuppCo’s TrustScore® supplement quality rating system. This integration strengthens Eurofins Supplement Testing and Eurofins Assurance’s role in third party supplement verification and enhances TrustScore® as a comprehensive benchmark, giving brands greater visibility in a market where trust and transparency matter more than ever.
Eurofins Rapid Microbiology Laboratories announces the appointment of Dr. John Henson as Director of Technical Services. With 26+ years of experience in meat science, food safety, academia, and industry consulting, Dr. Henson brings extensive technical expertise and leadership to support Eurofins’ growing scientific and client programs.
The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA) have released the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), signaling what many observers see as a notable shift in federal nutrition messaging. Read our overview on the new guidelines.
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.
The team at Eurofins Nutrition Analysis Center is proud to announce the launch of its new "Healthy" Claim Compliance Service designed to help food manufacturers navigate the FDA's updated criteria for the use of the term "Healthy" on food labels.
The Eurofins Nutrition Analysis Center in Des Moines, Iowa, is pleased to announce the launch of a specialized analytical method for Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in pet chew supplements. This new capability supports the growing demand for validated testing in the pet supplement market, particularly in preventative joint health.
Eurofins Analytical Laboratories has been recertified by the International Olive Council (IOC), reaffirming its position as the largest and only independent U.S. contract laboratory accredited for olive oil quality and authenticity testing. Learn how this recognition supports product integrity and industry standards.
Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing, Madison and Eurofins Assurance are pleased to announce the launch of Clean Sport Certified. This Product Certification programme is designed to safeguard the quality of dietary supplements, ingredients and food intended for athletes. Brands, retailers, and facilities in the dietary supplements industry can leverage this programme to demonstrate their commitment to regulatory compliance and quality. Click to learn more about this new certification.
Eurofins announces the formation of Eurofins Rapid Microbiology Laboratories, LLC, enhancing rapid testing speed, accuracy, and service for U.S. perishable markets.
Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing, Madison and Eurofins Assurance are pleased to announce the launch of product certification designed to safeguard the quality of dietary supplements, ingredients and food. Brands, retailers, and facilities in the dietary supplements industry can leverage these new schemes to demonstrate their commitment to regulatory compliance and quality. Click to learn more about this new certification.
