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 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.
Product certification plays a vital role in minimizing the potential risks of adulteration, contamination, and other quality issues in your product. This infographic outlines the steps to earning the Eurofins Assurance Mark for your dietary supplement, ingredient, or food product.
Discover how the Eurofins Botanicals and LeafWorks partnership are advancing transparency in the booming functional mushroom market with species-specific DNA ID testing. Ensure product authenticity, support label claims, and meet regulatory standards with cutting-edge qPCR assays and comprehensive analytical solutions.
In this video, Eurofins Nutrition Analysis Center experts delve into the importance of using specialized test methods for chondroitin and glucosamine in complex pet food and treat matrices. We showcase the proprietary method developed by our scientists to overcome analytical challenges and ensure accurate results.
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
In an industry rooted in nature but constantly evolving with science, botanical supplements are experiencing a quiet revolution. Innovation isn't just about discovering exotic new plants—it's about precision, purpose, and progress at every step of product development. Check out our infographic on your botanical product's steps, from seed to shelf.
When you're dealing with a complex matrix, the real question isn’t “Can it be tested?”—it's “What are you hoping to uncover?” Many things can be tested, but the answers depend on asking the right questions. Learn more about testing complex botanical matrices by clicking the link.
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.
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.
