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:
Discover how SDS-PAGE, a powerful protein analysis method, supports ingredient quality, transparency, and innovation in the food industry—from meat and dairy to plant-based products.
Discover how a leading plant-based food company partnered with Eurofins DQCI to implement a precise calibration strategy, ensuring consistent and accurate protein testing across multiple production sites.
With growing scrutiny from lawmakers and public health advocates, the once-standard GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) process may be on the verge of a major overhaul. In this blog, we break down what GRAS really means, why the self-affirmed process has sparked concern, and how the proposed legislation could redefine the future of ingredient approval in the U.S. food system.
In May, the Trump Administration released the Make Our Children Healthy Again report—commonly referred to as the MAHA Report. As a new conversation unfolds, let Eurofins help you dive into its implications for the food industry through a series of weekly posts. While the report spans a broad range of topics, our lens will remain focused on the food, beverage, and consumer goods sectors—where we continue to support companies navigating change and driving innovation. Keep reading to find out more on MAHA Report.
Accurate determination of creatine and its degradation product, creatinine, in raw materials and finished products is essential for quality control and regulatory compliance. This webinar will provide an overview of best practices in HPLC creatine and creatinine testing in diverse range of products, including protein powders, pre-workout formulations, beverages, and gummies. Originally Recorded on August 8, 2025
Issues during the Clean-In-Place (CIP) process, such as insufficient rinsing, can lead to the contamination of products, resulting in quality and/or safety concerns. This on-demand webinar covers various strategies for the detection of CIP chemicals in foods, beverages, and related products. Originally Recorded on June 25, 2025
Eurofins Microbiology Laboratory (EML) New England adds Alicyclobacillus spp. testing to its ISO 17025:2017 scope of biological services. This is an expansion to their existing scope that includes routine pathogen and indicator organism testing for food, food products, beverages, environmental samples, and pet food.
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.
