Inventor of Pop Rocks candy dies in Stockton at 92 [View All]

[Kadie]

Inventor of Pop Rocks candy dies in Stockton at 92

The Associated Press
Last Updated: July 28, 2004, 04:10:16 PM PDT


STOCKTON, Calif. (AP) - William A. Mitchell, the food scientist who invented Pop Rocks candy and discovered a substitute for tapioca, has died. He was 92.

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Mitchell, who worked as a chemist for General Foods Corp. in White Plains, N.Y., for 35 years until his retirement in 1976, held over 70 patents, including inventions related to Cool Whip, quick-set Jell-O Gelatin and the drink mix Tang.

While working briefly for Eastman Kodak Company, Mitchell helped design a chemical process to develop the color green. He developed the tapioca substitute during World War II when tapioca supplies were running low.

Mitchell's most famous invention was Pop Rocks - the exploding candy that became a cultural phenomenon after it hit the market in 1975. He made the discovery accidentally, while trying to design an instant soft drink, when he put some sugar flavoring mixed with carbon dioxide in his mouth.

For years, Mitchell, who patented Pop Rocks in 1956, fought to dispel the myth that the carbonated candy was deadly if eaten while drinking carbonated drinks.

more... http://www.modbee.com/state_wire/story/8910979p-9802784c.html