ST. PAUL — Gov. Mark Dayton has vetoed a bill that would have protected fast-food chains from consumers suing over weight gain and other health issues.

The Democratic governor said the bill went beyond its intention of holding people responsible for dietary choices.

He said it would have created a broader loophole for the companies.

The bill aimed to prevent consumers from suing the food industry for weight gain, obesity and health problems caused by long-term consumption of fattening foods and non-alcoholic drinks such as soda. It was called the Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act, but known informally as the “cheeseburger bill.”

Republican Rep. Dean Urdahl of Grove City has been pushing the legislation since 2004.