J. David Legan

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:

Whole Genome Sequencing: A Powerful Tool for Food Safety and Public Health

Whole genome sequencing is no longer just a research tool. It’s a critical asset in food safety, outbreak response, and public health protection. Read our blog to learn more about whole genome sequencing and how it helps us better understand organisms like Salmonella and Cronobacter in food and infant formula.

Keywords: Blog Microbiology Contaminants Infant Formula Food

Eurofins Announces Formation of Eurofins Rapid Microbiology Laboratories, LLC

Eurofins announces the formation of Eurofins Rapid Microbiology Laboratories, LLC, enhancing rapid testing speed, accuracy, and service for U.S. perishable markets.

Keywords: News Meat Produce Microbiology

Globally Integrated Salmonella WGS Tracking Using Oxford Nanopore Technologies Long-Read Sequencing

Discover how Eurofins demonstrates a proof of concept for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) using Oxford Nanopore Technologies to accurately serotype and track Salmonella. Learn how this harmonized NGS approach improves global food safety with reliable, reproducible results.

Keywords: Scientific Research Microbiology

Verification of a Commercial Real-Time PCR Shiga-toxin Producing E. coli (STEC) Detection Methods on Individually Quick-Frozen Vegetable Matrices

This research poster demonstrates how BACGene real-time PCR enables accurate STEC detection in frozen vegetable matrices.

Keywords: Scientific Research Microbiology Produce

Verification of a Commercial Real-Time PCR Salmonella Detection Method on Individually Quick-Frozen Vegetable Matrices

This research poster demonstrates how BACGene real-time PCR enables accurate Salmonella detection in frozen vegetable matrices.

Keywords: Scientific Research Microbiology Produce

Verification of a Commercial Real-Time PCR Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria species Detection Method on Individually Quick-Frozen Vegetable Matrices

This research poster demonstrates how BACGene real-time PCR enables accurate Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria species detection in frozen vegetable matrices.

Keywords: Scientific Research Microbiology Produce

Testing Lettuce at 1500 g: Why It Matters, How It Works, and Key Considerations

Discover why CFIA mandates 1500g lettuce testing for romaine imports from U.S. regions, how larger sample sizes improve detection of E. coli O157:H7, and the differences between pooling subsamples and direct 1500g testing methods. Learn key compliance, validation, and risk management considerations for growers, shippers, and buyers to ensure food safety and maintain market access.

Keywords: Blog Microbiology Produce

Rapid Pathogen Testing in Food Safety Management On-Demand Webinar

The demand for speed in food production and distribution continues to increase, driven by consumer expectations for freshness, short product shelf lives, and regulatory compliance requirements. In this environment, rapid pathogen detection methods have become essential tools for timely decision-making and effective food safety management. This webinar will provide a technical overview of commercially available rapid methods for detecting key foodborne pathogens, including Salmonella, Listeria spp., and L. monocytogenes. Originally Recorded on August 20, 2025.

Keywords: Webinar Microbiology Food

USP Testing | Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Keywords: Blog Microbiology Ingredients Supplements USP

Eurofins Microbiology Laboratories New England Expands Accreditation Scope to Include Alicyclobacillus (ACB) Testing

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.

Keywords: News Microbiology Beverages

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