California Plaintiffs File Class Action Against Cento Over 'Certified San Marzano' Tomato Labeling

Two California residents filed a class action lawsuit against Cento Fine Foods, accusing the New Jersey-based company of "tomato fraud" by using "Certified San Marzano" labeling on its canned tomatoes. The plaintiffs claim Cento San Marzano tomatoes lack the taste, consistency and other physical characteristics associated by consumers with certified San Marzano tomatoes.

San Marzano tomatoes are described as having a thicker wall, fewer seeds and lower acidity than other tomatoes.

They carry special protected status in the European Union similar to Champagne or Parmesan cheese. Il Consorzio di Tutela del Pomodoro San Marzano DOP verifies that San Marzano tomatoes are grown in the authentic region and meet proper criteria. The lawsuit alleges that Cento was ejected as a member of Il Consorzio di Tutela del Pomodoro San Marzano DOP for committing fraud.

Cento claims it voluntarily stopped seeking certification from the consortium in the 2010s due to labeling requirements. Cento says its San Marzano tomatoes are certified by Agri-Cert, an independent third-party agency. The company states that its San Marzano tomatoes are produced in the San Marzano region of Campania, Italy, approximately 22 miles southeast of Naples.

U.S. company with a production facility in the San Marzano region. Cento allows customers to trace the exact field where tomatoes were grown by using the code on their can.

The lawsuit alleges Cento’s labeling suggests the product has an official DOP designation from the Italian consortium. The filing describes Cento’s marketing and labeling of its product as "Certified San Marzano" tomatoes as false, misleading and unfair. "San Marzano tomatoes are considered the Ferrari or Prada of canned tomato varieties," the lawsuit said.

A lawyer for Cento Fine Foods stated the claims are entirely without merit. The lawyer said the company previously successfully defended a comparable lawsuit in New York federal court. The lawyer for Cento Fine Foods said the company will defend this claim vigorously, including seeking prompt dismissal.

A lawsuit was filed against Cento in New York in 2019 alleging the company does not produce as many San Marzano tomatoes as claimed. Cento Fine Foods did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CBS News.