Overview

In a recent lawsuit, two California consumers have accused Cento Fine Foods, a well-known Italian food distributor, of mislabeling its products as containing authentic San Marzano tomatoes. The plaintiffs allege that the company is committing tomato fraud by falsely branding its products.

San Marzano tomatoes are a premium variety grown exclusively in Italy's Campania region and are highly regarded in the food industry. The lawsuit claims that the tomatoes sold by Cento do not meet the necessary certification requirements to use the San Marzano name.

Key details

  • The lawsuit was filed this month by two consumers in California.
  • Cento Fine Foods is accused of falsely labeling its products as containing San Marzano tomatoes.
  • San Marzano tomatoes are considered a premium variety, likened to the "Ferrari or Prada" of tomatoes.
  • The tomatoes must be grown in Italy's Campania region to be certified as San Marzano.
  • Cento has previously won a similar case in New York.
  • The company asserts that its tomatoes are sourced from the correct region but lack the official Italian government certification.
  • The complaint claims that Cento's products do not have the taste, consistency, or characteristics associated with certified San Marzano tomatoes.
  • The plaintiffs report being misled by the labeling of the product after purchasing it over a dozen times.
  • The lawsuit seeks class-action certification and demands over $25 million in damages for customers.
  • A spokesperson for Cento stated that the company will seek to dismiss the lawsuit in court.
  • The case highlights ongoing disputes regarding the use of the San Marzano name in food branding.

Context

The disagreement over the authenticity of San Marzano tomatoes reflects broader issues in food branding and consumer protection, particularly as premium products are often marketed with specific geographic and quality claims.

What happens next

Cento Fine Foods plans to contest the lawsuit, seeking dismissal in court, while the plaintiffs aim to establish a class-action status for their claims.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding the specific evidence presented in the lawsuit and the timeline for court proceedings are not confirmed.