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:
This article discusses aflatoxins in food and how to mitigate risks for food safety. Aflatoxins are a serious concern for food producers, but Eurofins can help with ISO 17025 accredited laboratories for testing as well as On-Site Grain Inspection services.
The risk of mycotoxigenic molds on crops has increased due to changing weather conditions. In this article learn about the different ways mycotoxins are being tested for and what industries they are affecting.
In this informative conversation between Vanessa Snyder and Grace Bandong they discuss contaminant testing in hemp and CBD products and why it is important. Grace tells companies the importance of testing for contaminants and gives advice for when and what to test.
The quality and safety of infant formula and baby food are a major concern for parents, public health authorities, and regulatory bodies worldwide. Infant formula and baby food producers need to design comprehensive testing plans to ensure that their supply chain and finished products are free of harmful chemicals and pathogens. In this article Lukas Vaclavik, Contaminants Senior Staff Scientist for Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing discusses potential contaminants, the challenges and solutions around testing for contaminants and pesticide residues.
In this white paper, you'll learn more about the details of Section 402(a)(1) of the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act that defines adulteration. What is considered contamination? How it can happen. What levels of extraneous material are acceptable? Filth analysis should be part of any HACCP plan that requires examination of raw material.
Eurofins presents a validation of USP <467> residual solvent methodology for testing on CBD and hemp-based products at the North American Chemical Residue Workshop.
In this document, you will see the list of chemicals on the Proposition 65 list and learn how Eurofins is prepared to help you develop your products, qualify your supply chain, and conduct ongoing quality control to minimize the risk of incomplete labeling.
Read this article to learn more about hemp contaminant testing and how you can be prepared to correctly test your hemp-derived products.
This paper discusses the theory behind supercritical fluids, key method information, and the benefits to testing fat soluble vitamins in supplements as well as mycotoxins in food products by this unique and green chemistry methodology.
This Proposition 65 Guide will help food, ingredient, and supplement companies navigate the regulatory and testing challenges that Proposition 65 presents when selling products into the state of California.
