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:
As a widely used culinary and medicinal herb, oregano is expected to meet strict botanical specifications. Read our case study to learn how Eurofins analysts used HPTLC and microscopy to uncover botanical adulteration in an oregano sample submitted for identity verification and quality assessment.
Have questions about the Eurofins ANSI 173 Finished Dietary Supplement and Ingredient Certification or Eurofins Protocol 101? Check out our guide for the answers to frequently asked questions regarding Eurofins Certification.
Discover expert insights into navigating Out-of-Specification (OOS) results and CAPA investigations. Learn key steps and strategies our technical team uses to resolve unexpected analytical outcomes effectively.
Explore a real-world OOS case study where collaborative investigation revealed formulation challenges as the root cause. Learn how targeted troubleshooting helped a client improve product consistency and manufacturing protocols.
Discover how advanced ELISA and PCR testing helped identify peanut contamination in cumin, triggering a major recall and reshaping allergen control practices across the spice industry. Learn how Eurofins GeneScan supported targeted recalls and supplier investigations to protect consumers and restore brand trust.
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.
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
Ensure compliance and product safety with Eurofins' USP Microbiology Services. Learn how USP Testing and Suitability Testing help validate methods for dietary supplements, probiotics, and botanicals while avoiding false negatives and regulatory pitfalls.
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.
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.
