Which American entrepreneur and innovator is regarded as the inventor who revolutionised frozen foods for commercial sale?

Introduction / Context:
Frozen foods are now a common part of supermarket shelves, allowing long term storage of vegetables, meat and ready to cook meals. The commercial success of frozen foods depended on developing quick freezing methods that preserved taste and texture. This question asks which innovator is regarded as the key figure who turned frozen foods into a practical and popular industry.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The subject is frozen foods as a commercial product.
• We focus on the innovator who developed improved freezing methods.
• The options include inventors from unrelated fields.
• We assume awareness that this development took place in the twentieth century.

Concept / Approach:
Clarence Birdseye, an American entrepreneur, observed traditional freezing practices in very cold climates and realised that rapid freezing at low temperatures preserved food quality better than slow freezing. He developed equipment for quick freezing foods in thin packages, which allowed large scale production and sale. His innovations laid the foundation for the modern frozen food industry, and the Birdseye brand still reflects his influence.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that frozen food technology relates to food processing and refrigeration, not explosives or vacuum cleaners. Step 2: Recall that Clarence Birdseye name is closely associated with quick freezing and frozen vegetables and fish. Step 3: Recognise that Alfred Nobel invented dynamite, Frank Whittle worked on jet engines and Ives McGaffey invented an early vacuum cleaner, none of which relate to frozen foods. Step 4: Therefore, Clarence Birdseye is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Supermarket histories and food technology overviews often mention Birdseye as the pioneer who transformed frozen foods from a small specialty into a major industry. Some products still carry his name. Seeing that no other option has such a strong connection with food freezing, you can confidently select Clarence Birdseye as the right answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Alfred Nobel: Invented dynamite and funded the Nobel Prizes, unrelated to frozen foods.
• Frank Whittle: Pioneered jet engine design, not food technology.
• Ives McGaffey: Inventor of an early vacuum cleaner called the Whirlwind.
• Harland Sanders: Known for developing a fried chicken recipe and the KFC brand, but not for inventing frozen foods as a technology.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may confuse Birdseye contributions with general refrigeration or think of famous food brand founders like Harland Sanders. However, the specific field of quick freezing and development of frozen vegetables and fish belongs to Clarence Birdseye. Keeping this clear association in mind helps you avoid misattributing the invention to more widely known restaurant personalities.

Final Answer:
Clarence Birdseye is regarded as the inventor who revolutionised modern frozen foods.