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:
Discover why analytical testing is essential for dietary supplement and confectionery brands reformulating with natural colors—ensuring compliance, quality, and consumer trust.
Discover how SDS-PAGE, a powerful protein analysis method, supports ingredient quality, transparency, and innovation in the food industry—from meat and dairy to plant-based products.
Discover how a leading plant-based food company partnered with Eurofins DQCI to implement a precise calibration strategy, ensuring consistent and accurate protein testing across multiple production sites.
With growing scrutiny from lawmakers and public health advocates, the once-standard GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) process may be on the verge of a major overhaul. In this blog, we break down what GRAS really means, why the self-affirmed process has sparked concern, and how the proposed legislation could redefine the future of ingredient approval in the U.S. food system.
Long before the MAHA Report hits the public in May 2025, lawmakers across the country aren’t waiting around. At both the state and federal levels, a wave of action is already underway driven by rare bipartisan agreement on one urgent issue: cleaning up the food supply chain. With a spotlight on protecting younger populations, the momentum is unmistakable.
Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing, Madison and Eurofins Assurance are pleased to announce the launch of product certification designed to safeguard the quality of dietary supplements, ingredients and food. Brands, retailers, and facilities in the dietary supplements industry can leverage these new schemes to demonstrate their commitment to regulatory compliance and quality. Click to learn more about this new certification.
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.
With the release of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) report, the food and supplement industries are facing a pivotal moment. Join two of our leading experts as they unpack the report’s findings and explore what they could mean for consumer-packaged goods (CPG) companies. From reformulation strategies to enhanced ingredient scrutiny, this session will help industry professionals prepare for a wave of potential changes. Originally Recorded on August 21, 2025
In May, the Trump Administration released the Make Our Children Healthy Again report—commonly referred to as the MAHA Report. As a new conversation unfolds, let Eurofins help you dive into its implications for the food industry through a series of weekly posts. While the report spans a broad range of topics, our lens will remain focused on the food, beverage, and consumer goods sectors—where we continue to support companies navigating change and driving innovation. Keep reading to find out more on MAHA Report.
The demand for speed in food production and distribution continues to increase, driven by consumer expectations for freshness, short product shelf lives, and regulatory compliance requirements. In this environment, rapid pathogen detection methods have become essential tools for timely decision-making and effective food safety management. This webinar will provide a technical overview of commercially available rapid methods for detecting key foodborne pathogens, including Salmonella, Listeria spp., and L. monocytogenes. Originally Recorded on August 20, 2025.
