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:
Ensuring high-quality ingredients and finished botanical products requires a precise and reliable analytical method. This webinar introduces a fundamental approach to botanical analysis: High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), a powerful tool for maintaining accuracy and consistency in botanical raw materials and final formulations. Originally Aired on April 21, 2025
A client approached Eurofins with an urgent need for testing to support their Investigational New Drug (IND) application for an orally delivered botanical drug product. Read to learn how Eurofins helped to client move forward with their phase 2 clinical trials and meeting critical development milestones.
Contaminants like ochratoxin A in botanicals and aflatoxins in raw materials pose serious risks to product quality and consumer health. Targeted mycotoxin testing for supplements is critical to meet global compliance standards and protect your brand from costly recalls or regulatory action. Click to learn more.
Testing complex botanical matrices using HPTLC goes beyond simply running a sample through a machine—it requires a deep understanding of both the plant material’s unique properties and the strengths and limitations of HPTLC. In this article, we’ll explore the intricacies of testing complex botanical samples using HPTLC, highlighting the challenges involved and how this technique can effectively overcome them—even in the most complex matrices.
(HPTLC) has established itself as the preferred analytical tool for identification of botanical samples. As with any analytical method, validating the HPTLC method is crucial to ensure that it produces reliable, accurate, and reproducible results. In this article, we will explore the process of HPTLC method validation, why it is necessary, and the critical parameters to consider.
As winter melts away and the promise of spring invites renewal, it's the perfect time to think about new beginnings, especially when it comes to nurturing our bodies. Join us as we embark on a journey exploring plants that promote women’s health and well-being.
October 2024 - Eurofins Botanicals is proud to announce the first-of-its-kind partnership with LeafWorks to launch the industry’s first Mushroom DNA Species Identification Tests. The first DNA ID tests will focus on Shiitake and Cordyceps species, with additional mushroom tests being released in 2025.
In this on-demand webinar Cris Amarillas will guide you through the essentials of botanical identity testing. Original Air Date October 16, 2024.
HPTLC is a popular method for botanical identification. Click the image below to open a video and learn the basics of HPTLC and how it can benefit your products.
October 3rd, 2023
Eurofins is excited to announce that Dr. Cris Amarillas has joined the team as the Chief Science Officer, Botanicals.
