Cento Fine Foods Sued Over Alleged Fake San Marzano Tomato Labels

Cento Fine Foods, a well-known Italian food brand, is facing a proposed class action lawsuit filed in California that accuses the company of what the plaintiffs call "tomato fraud."

Two California residents filed the suit on Monday. They allege that Cento falsely labels its canned tomato products as containing Certified San Marzano tomatoes. The plaintiffs say the tomatoes inside the cans are not authentic San Marzano tomatoes and do not meet the standards that certification is supposed to guarantee.

San Marzano tomatoes are a variety of plum tomato grown in the Campania region of Italy. They are widely regarded as a premium ingredient, prized for their sweet flavor and low acidity. The lawsuit describes them as among the most sought-after tomatoes in the world, comparing them to luxury goods in terms of their reputation and price.

The suit claims that Cento's labeling and marketing are false and misleading to consumers who pay a premium price expecting a certified product.

Cento has firmly rejected the allegations. The company called the lawsuit meritless and indicated it intends to defend itself against the claims.

No court has made any finding of wrongdoing, and the lawsuit represents only the plaintiffs' allegations at this stage.

The case raises broader questions about food labeling standards and how certification claims are regulated for imported specialty products. San Marzano certification is controlled by an Italian authority, and critics of the industry have long argued that oversight of products sold under that label in the United States is inconsistent.

Cento is one of the most recognized importers of Italian food products in the American market. Its San Marzano tomato cans are widely stocked in grocery stores across the country and are popular among home cooks and professional chefs alike.

The lawsuit is proceeding in a California federal court. No trial date has been set.