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:
How automated and rapid is your testing process? Review our checklist to see if your operation’s processes make you a good fit for automation through managed NIR.
When it comes to Eurofins grain inspections versus official agencies’ inspections, how are inspectors trained and qualified? What type of certificate will I receive? How fast is certificate turnaround? Learn the answers to these and more in our FAQ guide.
Protein analysis is typically based on a Nitrogen analysis and assumed factors to calculate protein. Since proteins are not the only source of Nitrogen, Protein analysis can be falsely inflated by a variety of ingredients and other food components. Check out this infographic to learn more about non-protein nitrogen.
Photostability testing is crucial for ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of products. While there are not specific requirements, the FDA makes it clear it is recommended for all products susceptible to light. Check out our infographic about the importance of photostability testing in OTC products.
Did you know the history of Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing, Inc. in Madison, Wisconsin dates back to 1929? Check out our infographic to learn more about the rich history of the laboratory.
Fast, accurate, and always on time—our 24-hour rail inspection network delivers trusted, on-site results without delays or uncertainty. Whether routine or urgent, we ensure every inspection is fair, reliable, and efficient. Check out our infographic on how we are here for you.
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.
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.
Because of the potential consumer health and economic risks associated with mycotoxin contamination, it’s critical to fully understand the food production and safety challenges presented by mycotoxins. Our infographic answers the following frequently asked questions to provide insight into addressing these concerns.
Iodine is an essential trace element found in many food sources as well as the environment. AAFCO recognizes iodine as an essential nutrient for both dogs and cats at differing, species specific levels. This infographic explains explores considerations for iodine in pet food and reasons to test for it.
