Two California consumers have filed a lawsuit against Cento Fine Foods, alleging the company engaged in deceptive marketing by labeling its canned tomatoes as “Certified San Marzano” from Italy. The plaintiffs claim Cento’s product does not meet the quality and authenticity standards associated with genuine San Marzano tomatoes.
Cento Fine Foods, headquartered in New Jersey, markets its canned tomatoes as San Marzano, a variety grown in Campania, Italy, known for its thicker walls, fewer seeds, and lower acidity compared with other tomatoes. The company states on its label and website that these tomatoes are certified by Agri-Cert, an independent third-party agency. Customers are also reportedly able to trace the specific field where their tomatoes were grown via a lot code on each can.
The lawsuit challenges Cento’s use of the “Certified San Marzano” label, alleging it falsely suggests the tomatoes have the official Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) status. This DOP certification is granted by Il Consorzio di Tutela del Pomodoro San Marzano DOP, a consortium that regulates production and quality standards for San Marzano tomatoes grown in the designated region under strict guidelines.
Plaintiffs argue that Cento’s labeling and branding misleadingly imply compliance with these DOP standards without actually meeting the criteria. The suit states the company’s label designs mimic the consortium’s certification marks, potentially confusing consumers into thinking the product is authentically certified by the Italian regulatory body.
Cento did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the lawsuit. This legal action follows a similar 2019 lawsuit in New York, which alleged that Cento did not produce as many San Marzano tomatoes as it claimed.
Why it matters
The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for food labeling regulations and consumer trust in imported specialty food products. The San Marzano tomato is a prized culinary ingredient with strict origin protections, and misrepresentation may affect both consumers and authentic producers in Italy. This case highlights ongoing scrutiny over accurate product labeling and compliance with international food certification standards.
Sources
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