Until the late 19th century, many physicians believed that most illnesses were related to digestion problems,[2] and recommended a daily intake of biscuits and fruit. Fig rolls were the ideal solution to this advice. They were a locally produced and handmade product until a Philadelphia baker and fig lover, Charles Roser, invented and then patented a machine in 1891 which inserted fig paste into a thick pastry dough.[3] Cambridgeport, Massachusetts–based Kennedy Biscuit Company purchased the Roser recipe[4] and started mass production.