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:
August 5, 2022, Eurofins Craft Technologies’ newly validated phenolic method will initially offer 16 analytes and will continue to expand based on market demands. The new offering covers the following hydroxybenzoic, cinnamic, and hydroxycinnamic acids. Read the full press release to learn more.
Learn about frequent causes of off-flavor, off-odor, and flavor scalping in packaged foods, beverages, and pet food products, including analytical techniques ranging from GCMS to ICP to LCMSMS for troubleshooting and detection, with a focus on SPME-GC-MS analysis. Learn how improper product packaging, production, or transportation issues can cause your product to be recalled. Factors that can negatively impact flavor and aroma. The analytical techniques range from GCMS to ICP to LCMSMS for troubleshooting and detection.
Arsenic is naturally occurring all around us, but that doesn't mean it's always safe to consume. Consumers are looking to companies to test their products, know their levels, and keep them safe. Learn more about the different forms of arsenic and relative risk for presence in products.
Food fraud can result in serious public health consequences and damage to your brand's reputation. Learn about products at risk for food fraud and steps you can take to protect your company.
Developing a product requires careful consideration of storage, transport, and retail conditions. Spoilage organism testing helps determine the risk of bacterial spoilage under different conditions. Additionally, spoilage testing can be added to routine microbiology testing to ensure continued product quality and safety.
PFAS have valuable uses and extreme chemical stability, but can lead to adverse health outcomes. Learn why PFAS testing in foods is now becoming an essential need for your food and supplement products in the market.
High-Pressure Processing is a food processing technology that enables food safety while maintaining food quality. Learn how this high-pressure technology contributes to food science and testing to help support HPP processing and HPP food safety.
Fermented foods have gained popularity in recent years. Learn about the fermentation process, how they contribute to food sustainability and safety, and how partnering with a reputable ISO 17025 laboratory like Eurofins is essential for the success of your product.
The COVID-19 pandemic created a favorable environment for increased economically motivated adulteration of ingredients and finished products. Adulterated ingredients entering your product can result in serious risk for your company. How can you reduce your company's risk?
Eurofins SFA is excited to now offer a new FD&C Dye Screen. The FDA approved nine artificial dye molecules for use in foods, drugs, and cosmetics (with some limitations), in addition to a variety of naturally sourced colorants.
