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:
When it comes to dietary supplement testing, one seemingly small detail can have outsized consequences: specifying the correct vitamin form. Understanding and communicating the exact vitamin form in your product is not just a technical necessity, it’s a strategic imperative in ensuring accurate results, timely reporting, and regulatory compliance.
A supplement manufacturer added methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12) to a product, expecting to meet label claims. However, testing revealed only ~50% of the claimed amount, triggering an out-of-spec (OOS) result. Read to learn how Eurofins Supplement Testing resolved the unexpected results.
Switching oil sources, or developing a new product with an alternative oil, requires more than a label change. It demands a holistic view of how the oil behaves in your product, how it interacts with other ingredients, and how it holds up over time. Click to learn about the key considerations.
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.
The bar aisle is brimming with possibilities—and today’s consumers are more curious and discerning than ever. As expectations rise around flavor, texture, and ingredient transparency, brands have a unique chance to reimagine what a bar can be. This webinar explores the dynamic evolution of the bar category, especially protein bars, and reveals how thoughtful innovation can help your brand rise above the noise and truly connect with consumers. Originally Aired on November 5, 2025
After months of fine-tuning flavor, texture, and active ingredients, a new nutritional formula was ready for scale-up. This case study explores the successful transition from lab-scale to full-scale production—preserving product integrity across thousands of gallons.
Join us for a focused session on Eurofins’ new Product Certification program—designed to set a higher standard for quality and transparency across the dietary supplement, food, and retail industries. Learn why certification matters, how the process works, and what makes Eurofins uniquely qualified to deliver a seal backed by nearly 100 years of testing expertise.
Discover how GLP-1 medications are reshaping consumer behavior and driving innovation in food, beverage, and supplement industries , ushering in the “smaller-appetite era” of nutrition and wellness.
Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing, Madison and Eurofins Assurance are pleased to announce the launch of Clean Sport Certified. This Product Certification programme is designed to safeguard the quality of dietary supplements, ingredients and food intended for athletes. Brands, retailers, and facilities in the dietary supplements industry can leverage this programme to demonstrate their commitment to regulatory compliance and quality. Click to learn more about this new certification.
Whole genome sequencing is no longer just a research tool. It’s a critical asset in food safety, outbreak response, and public health protection. Read our blog to learn more about whole genome sequencing and how it helps us better understand organisms like Salmonella and Cronobacter in food and infant formula.
