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:
Eurofins SF Analytical Laboratories, Inc. Animal Health Testing, a leader in laboratory testing services, is proud to announce the expansion of its testing capabilities in support of Eurofins DQCI, growing its portfolio to serve a wider range of industries. With a focus on chemistry, microbiology, and nutrient analyses, Eurofins Animal Health is well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of its clients.
Eurofins Analytical Laboratories, Inc. (New Orleans, LA) is excited to announce Alan Roberts has been appointed President. In his new role, Alan will lead EAL's strategic initiatives and operations.
Eurofins QTA is thrilled to announce the promotion of Anthony Lai and Ria Sieg to pivotal leadership positions within the company. Click to read about these promotions.
Eurofins Central Analytical Laboratories (ECAL) is excited to announce the promotion of Christine McIntosh-Cole to the role of Business Unit Manager (BUMa) for Eurofins Central Analytical Laboratories(ECAL) GeneScan.
Eurofins GeneScan is pleased to announce the promotion of Frank Spiegelhalter to the position of Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) for Allergens and GMO Testing. In this new role, Frank will lead GeneScan's efforts in advancing allergen and GMO testing capabilities, continuing the tradition of innovation and excellence that the company is renowned for.
We are excited to announce the promotion of Dave Ellingson as Director of Scientific Strategy.
Eurofins Microbiology Laboratories, Inc. is pleased to announce the promotion of Cortney Miller to Business Unit Manager for the Eurofins Des Moines Microbiology Laboratory.
We are excited to announce the promotion of Dr. Dino Holmquist as the Chief Science Officer for the US Dairy industry. He brings over a decade of experience in dairy analytical testing and a strong commitment to food safety and quality assurance.
Eurofins Meat Testing is thrilled to announce Brian McFarlane has recently joined the organization as the Senior Director of Technical Services for our Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Testing Division. With almost three decades of experience in the meat industry, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role.
Eurofins Central Analytical Laboratories, Inc., a leading provider of analytical testing services, proudly announces that it has been re-certified as an approved testing laboratory by the International Olive Council (IOC) for the 2024 season. This recognition further solidifies our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in olive oil chemistry testing.
