Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1999-2002
Title: Celebrating the Innovations of Gerald C. McDonald
Introduction
Gerald C. McDonald, an innovative inventor based in Fairfield, Ohio, has made remarkable contributions to the food industry through his ingenious patents. With three patents to his name, McDonald is recognized for developing methods that enhance the texture and flavor of reduced fat snack products, particularly in his work with the Procter & Gamble Company.
Latest Patents
Gerald C. McDonald holds several patents focusing on improved methods for food preparation. His latest patents include:
1. **Suspension for Adding a Controlled Amount of Ingredient to a Food Product** - This invention presents a novel method for incorporating food-additive ingredients into food products, particularly reduced fat fried snacks. McDonald's method involves suspending encapsulated or powdered ingredients in a flowable edible nondigestible fat. This suspension is applied to the snack's surface soon after frying, ensuring a light, crispy texture while improving flavor and maintaining a fat content between 20% and 38% nondigestible fat.
2. **Method of Preparing Coated Low-Fat and Fat-Free Snack Food** - This process outlines a technique for creating coated low-fat and fat-free pretzels. The invention highlights the importance of a large surface area to inner volume ratio, permitting lower concentrations of caustic solutions and facilitating effective drying. By applying a warm coating mixture of carbohydrates and flavorings while tumbling, McDonald ensures the pretzels maintain improved texture and taste, along with their characteristic shiny surface.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career at the Procter & Gamble Company, Gerald C. McDonald has been pivotal in advancing the development of snack foods. His innovative approaches have not only enhanced the quality of products but also aligned with the growing consumer demand for healthier snack options.
Collaborations
Working alongside talented colleagues, such as Stephen Paul Zimmerman and Yen-Ping Chin Hsieh, McDonald has fostered a collaborative environment that has driven innovation within the company. This teamwork has enabled the successful realization of novel ideas and processes in the competitive snack food market.
Conclusion
Gerald C. McDonald's contributions to the food industry showcase his commitment to innovation and quality. His patents reflect a deep understanding of consumer needs and the science behind food preparation. As he continues his work at Procter & Gamble, the impact of his inventions is sure to resonate within the snack food sector for years to come.