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:
In this episode of The Scoop, host Keren Breiterman speaks with Dave Ellingson, Director of Scientific Strategy for Eurofins Chemistry Testing Laboratories - Madison, about the role of phospholipids in infant formula and their importance in replicating the composition of human milk.
Phospholipids may be small molecules, but their impact is immense. By keeping them active and abundant in infant formula, we're taking one step closer to replicating the remarkable composition of human milk—and nurturing healthy development in every bottle. Click the link to learn how.
The use of real HMOs in infant formula is accelerating, driven by science, innovation, and a commitment to nourishing infants in the healthiest way possible. Enhanced testing methods are unlocking new capabilities—bringing us closer than ever to replicating the complexity and power of human milk. Click the link to learn more about HMOs.
In this episode of The Scoop, host Keren Breiterman speaks with Dave Ellingson, Director of Scientific Strategy for Eurofins Chemistry Testing Laboratories - Madison, about Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs)—what they are, why they matter, and how they’re shaping the future of infant nutrition.
Low water activity foods (LWAFs) have historically been considered low-risk for microbiological hazards because their limited “free” (unbound) water in the formulation prevents bacterial growth. However, foodborne illness outbreaks revealed that pathogens can survive for extended periods in LWAFs, even in the absence of growth. Watch now to learn what is required to validate control measures to reduce microbial risks in LWAFs. Originally Aired on June 18, 2025.
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.
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.
June 24th, 2025– In response to evolving regulatory expectations and growing public health concerns for Bisphenol A (BPA), Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing Madison, Inc. (EFCT) has expanded its advanced testing capabilities to detect and quantify BPA. Read our press release to learn more.
