Nation IN BRIEF : COLORADO : Libel Bill Devoted to Vegetables Is Vetoed

A bill that would have nixed negatives about vegetables was vetoed in Denver by Gov. Roy Romer. The so-called “veggie bill” was intended to prevent uninformed challenges to the wholesomeness of food products. It would have allowed food producers to sue those who falsely disparage their products. President Bush’s distaste for broccoli would not have been libel under the measure, but it would have applied to the scare that resulted when it was alleged that the chemical Alar, sprayed on apples to make them more attractive, was said to be harmful to humans. Romer said he was concerned the bill would inhibit free speech and could hamper the publication of health research.