Neogen’s Rapid Listeria Detection and Monitoring Solutions Protects Public Health
Neogen’s rapid diagnostics and environmental monitoring solutions save lives by helping food processors prevent contamination before it becomes a risk.
The Lansing-based company designs and manufactures tools that detect pathogens and allergens in minutes, giving facilities real-time data to help identify and remove unsafe items from production before it reaches consumers. One of the company’s newest innovations is Listeria Right Now™, a molecular platform that delivers actionable listeria results in about an hour with no enrichment required. By enabling immediate corrective action, Listeria Right Now™ helps facilities prevent potential outbreaks, reduce the likelihood of recalls, and strengthen consumer safety.
The Centers for Disease Control lists listeria as a leading cause of foodborne illness and death — over 1,200 people are sickened by and almost 200 people die from the bacteria in the United States each year. Neogen’s fast-acting products can drastically reduce those stats by making food safer for everyone, especially for more vulnerable populations such as older adults, children, and pregnant women.
As part of Michigan’s Health Core, Neogen anchors high-value scientific, manufacturing, and R&D work within the state, while exporting Michigan-led innovation around the globe.
Global Impact Starts in Lansing
Headquartered and founded in Lansing, Neogen now operates locations in 28 other countries across Europe, Asia, and South America, and employs over 2,700 employees globally. Locally, Neogen operates its headquarters, lab, and warehouse.
Neogen was born from the scientific innovations blossoming out of Michigan State University needing an avenue to reach the people who could use them to better the world — solutions searching for problems. What started as a small team led by founders Ted Doan and James Herbert steadily expanded into new industries and new states, soon reaching across one ocean, then another, driven by its mission to partner with its customers, farm to fork, to elevate the world’s level of food and animal safety.
Michigan is not just where Neogen is located—it’s where decisions are made, products are developed, and innovation is driven.
Advancing Public Health, Scientific Discovery, and Economic Growth in Michigan
Neogen is an integral part of Michigan’s Health Core, strengthening the state’s life sciences and diagnostics ecosystem through innovation, scientific talent, and global impact.
Neogen leads research and development, manufacturing, and commercialization of diagnostic solutions used around the world. Its presence in Michigan anchors key capabilities in molecular detection, assay development, digital data systems, and lab services, all core elements of the state’s broader health and biotech landscape.
Neogen also plays a meaningful role in developing Michigan’s workforce and future talent pipeline, providing opportunities for scientists, engineers, data specialists, and commercial leaders to build long-term careers in diagnostics and biotechnology without leaving the state. This aligns directly with Michigan’s long-term focus on growing life sciences jobs, attracting investment, and strengthening its competitive position in health innovation. Being part of Michigan’s Health Core means contributing to a network of companies committed to advancing public health, scientific discovery, and economic growth in Michigan. Neogen does that every day, through its products, people, and commitment to creating solutions that improve health and safety around the world, all from their home base in Michigan.
Neogen’s differentiator is its ability to take advanced science and make it usable. In food and animal safety, the environment is fast-moving — regulations shift, expectations rise, and the margin for error is small. Neogen’s focus is on reducing complexity. The company delivers diagnostics and monitoring tools that fit into everyday workflows and provide clear results quickly, so teams can make informed decisions without added steps or delays.
Beyond the technology, Neogen serves as a trusted resource, helping customers interpret results, understand trends, and determine the right actions to take. Whether they are troubleshooting an environmental monitoring program or validating a method, Neogen provides expertise and guidance that accelerates problem solving. This reflects the company’s commitment to giving customers not just data, but clarity and confidence.
Category: Talent and Workforce