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:
October 2024 - Eurofins Botanicals is proud to announce the first-of-its-kind partnership with LeafWorks to launch the industry’s first Mushroom DNA Species Identification Tests. The first DNA ID tests will focus on Shiitake and Cordyceps species, with additional mushroom tests being released in 2025.
This blog explores botanical fraud, differences between fraud and adulteration, and the use of mitigation plans to prevent fraudulent ingredients and products. Learn about the common types of fraud and steps to take to ensure safe and accurately labeled products.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitors drug manufacturers' compliance with its current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) regulations in order to ensure the quality of drug products. These regulations are designed to assure products are safe for use and contain the ingredients, strengths, and efficacies of claims made by the product. Learn what tests your OTC products need to be compliant.
Phytochemicals are chemicals derived from plants used to test the purity, composition, adulteration, and potency of botanical products. Discover how plant chemistry shapes and motivates botanical product authentication.
In this webinar attendees will learn about the technical, instrument, and regulatory considerations for chromatographic method feasibility, development, optimization, verification, validation also method transfer considerations. Original airdate October 20, 2022.
Eurofins has a unique approach to A2 beta-casein testing. Our assay and LC-MS/MS testing options can be used on raw milk, milk batches, and finished products. View this infographic to learn more about A2 testing at Eurofins DQCI!
A2 beta-casein milk is gaining popularity as the health-oriented consumer base grows. Reliable A2 products start with pure A2 raw milk. Traditional genetic testing is limited to single cows and raw products. Eurofins offers assay and LC-MS/MS methods to test beta-casein protein levels in raw milk from individual cows and batches, as well as finished products. This article covers the science behind A2 beta-casein and the testing options at Eurofins DQCI.
A2 beta-casein milk is growing in popularity as consumers learn about the potential health effects of the A1 beta-casein variant. Understanding the testing options is the first step for brands and retailers to provide trustworthy A2 dairy product. This video explains the science of A2 beta-casein milk and the unique testing options at Eurofins.
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.
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.
