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:
You believe in your ingredient. You’ve seen the research, tested the science, and refined the story. But for buyers, belief isn’t enough—it needs to be experienced. That’s where a pilot plant makes all the difference. Read our blog to learn about the value of a pilot plant for ingredient suppliers.
How is protein quality determined and how is protein content assessed for food labeling? What is an Amino Acid Score? These questions are all answered in our blog about how PDCAAS shapes nutritional claims.
HPTLC is more than just a laboratory technique; it’s a cornerstone of quality assurance in botanical testing. This article delves into the information that should accompany your sample, explaining its scientific significance and role in meeting regulatory standards, in order to ensure accurate analysis.
High-value edible oils like olive oil and avocado oil command premium prices for their flavor and health benefits. However, their value also makes them targets for degradation and food fraud. Read our blog about two complimentary testing approaches essential to protecting your customers and brand: quality testing and authenticity testing.
Regulatory agencies such as the FDA and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) have recently proposed and/or finalized several regulations pertaining to the labeling of food & beverages. Read our blog for a straight-forward explanation of the latest updates.
Explore the food safety concerns surrounding Bisphenol A (BPA) in packaging, its potential health risks, and emerging alternatives like BPAF, BP, BPF, and BPS.
Effective risk assessment is essential for ensuring dietary supplement safety, regulatory compliance, and brand integrity. Learn how to protect quality and consumer trust.
Discover the crucial role of botanical reference materials (BRMs) in supplement quality and regulatory compliance. Learn how BRMs help ensure product integrity and support industry standards.
Creatine is one of the most extensively studied and widely used ingredients in sports nutrition, prized for its well-documented ability to enhance strength, increase lean muscle mass, and improve performance during high-intensity, short-duration exercise. Learn about its benefits, biological role, and the importance of rigorous testing for quality and compliance.
With rising demand for A2-type dairy, precise A1/A2 testing is essential. Eurofins' advanced LCMS technology ensures product integrity and consumer confidence in a transparent food supply chain. Learn about the structure of A1/A2 and the importance of testing.
