Cento Fine Foods 'Tomato Fraud' Lawsuit

Cento Fine Foods is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit in United States — California, alleging 'tomato fraud.' The lawsuit claims Cento Fine Foods falsely markets its canned tomato products as containing 'Certified San Marzano' tomatoes, which are protected under European Union law and regulated by Consorzio di Tutela del Pomodoro San Marzano dell Agro Sarnese-Nocerino DOP. The plaintiffs are seeking $25 million in compensation, arguing that Cento Fine Foods' labeling creates a misleading impression of DOP certification. Cento Fine Foods denies the allegations, stating the lawsuit is 'entirely without merit' and referencing a similar lawsuit in United States — New York (state) that was dismissed in 2020. Cento Fine Foods maintains its tomatoes are grown in the correct region and are certified by a different third-party agency, Agri-Cert, having voluntarily stopped seeking certification from Consorzio di Tutela del Pomodoro San Marzano dell Agro Sarnese-Nocerino DOP in the 2010s.