Kenneth Smith

About the author: Kenneth Smith is an editorial writer for the Washington Times.

Food-disparagement laws will probably not reduce the food safety scares propagated by the television shows such as Oprah Winfrey and 60 Minutes. These laws, which have been passed in thirteen states, make it illegal for people to knowingly spread misinformation about perishable foods. However, food producers are not likely to win these suits, even if the disparagements are wildly inaccurate.

"Let me warn you, today's show may cause you to diet for all the wrong reasons. We're talking about the hidden dangers in our food, possibly the food in your own refrigerator. . . . [I]t's the biggest health scare to hit Europe since the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Mad cow disease has stunned the world." So announced Oprah Winfrey on...