In 1887 , U.S. tariff laws that imposed a duty on vegetables , but not on fruits , caused the tomato 's status to become a matter of legal importance .
This has led to legal dispute in the United States .
In 1887 , United States tariff laws that imposed a duty on vegetables , but not on fruits , caused the tomato 's status to become a matter of legal importance .
This has led to legal dispute in the United States .