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Douglas L. Marshall

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Douglas L. Marshall, PhD, CFS

Douglas L. Marshall, PhD, CFS

Chief Scientific Officer

Dr. Marshall is Chief Scientific Officer with Eurofins Microbiology Laboratories, Inc., a division of the global life sciences company Eurofins Scientific.  He is co-founder and Director of the Food Safety Institute, LLC, an integrated consulting and analytical services company affiliated with the Eurofins network of companies.  He is Technical Director for the Refrigerated Foods Association and Microbiology Task Force Chair for the American Spice Trade Association.  His former positions include the following:

  • Associate Dean and Professor of Public Health, College of Natural and Health Sciences, University of Northern Colorado
  • Adjunct Professor with the Colorado School of Public Health and Colorado State University
  • Professor of Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion at Mississippi State University
  • Assistant Professor of Food Science at Louisiana State University
  • Contributing Editor for the peer-reviewed scientific journal Food Microbiology
  • Four consecutive terms on the editorial board of the Journal of Food Protection

He is a frequent volunteer and consultant to trade associations, NIH, WHO, FAO, USDA, and other government agencies and private companies.  His research and expertise has been featured in popular press venues such as Consumer’s Reports, Fine Cooking, USA Today, Fitness, Health, Men’s Health, Chemtech, Nature Science Updates, and ASM Journal Highlights.  He is a frequently invited speaker and a prolific book chapter writer. With over 250 publications, over 300 invited presentations, and over 100 workshops delivered, his scientific research and outreach interests focus on improving the microbiological quality and safety of foods, with emphasis on meat, poultry, seafoods, and produce.  Among these was the completion of the 4 volume Handbook of Food Science, Technology, and Engineering, which he Co-Edited.  He has been the recipient of a number of awards for his scholarly efforts including the Mississippi Chemical Corporation Award of Excellence for Outstanding Work, the International Association for Food Protection Educator and Harold Barnum Industry Awards.  He is a Fellow and former member of the Board of Directors of the Institute of Food Technologists, inaugural Chair of the International Food Science Certification Commission, and former member of the Board of Directors of the American Spice Trade Association. 

On a personal note, early in his career he served as a deck hand on an Alaskan fishing vessel (well before Deadliest Catch) and prefers to spend his free time lost on a trail in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

Below are resources from Douglas:



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.


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.


Hydrolyzed proteins play a crucial role in the pet food, animal nutrition, and feed industries, offering significant benefits in digestibility, allergen reduction, and bioavailability. This white paper explores the advantages of hydrolyzed proteins and their impact on product formulation.


The Pet Food Label Modernization (PFLM) initiative is reshaping industry standards, making dietary fiber a required metric. Learn how this change impacts pet food formulations, testing methods, and nutritional transparency.


Historically, testing for chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine has been done via HPLC-UV analysis via methods from AOAC or USP-NF monographs, which are not suitable for complex matrices such as pet food. Check out our infographic about an innovative solution developed specifically for pet foods and supplements.


Watch this webinar for a discussion on the background behind AAFCO’s recommended method and other commonly used methods, with a focus on which dietary fiber component each method quantifies, and scenarios where it is appropriate to use an alternate method. Original Air Date: April 16, 2025


April 17, 2025 - The Eurofins Nutrition Analysis Center in Des Moines, IA has successfully developed and implemented advanced methods specifically tailored for pet foods and pet supplements. Click to read about the new glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate method offerings.
Keywords: News Pet


In pets, as in humans, glucosamine (GlcN) has been used with chondroitin sulfate in nutraceuticals to support joint health and mobility. Historically, GlcN testing has been limited to pure materials and supplements. However, Eurofins Nutrition Analysis Center has recently developed a method for testing GlcN in a wide variety of matrices. Click to learn more.


Pet owners might turn to nutraceuticals that may support relief in some Osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms. One such nutraceutical is chondroitin sulfate. Explore new scientific developments happening at Eurofins in Des Moines, IA for quantifying chondroitin sulfate in complex matrices like pet food and treats.


Here we highlight the best practices in process validation that pet food manufacturers may use to scientifically demonstrate that a given process, or “kill step,” in the manufacture of pet food and pet food products can deliver the required microbial reductions to ensure the safety of their product. 


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