Popular N.J.-based tomato company faces class action over labeling
Staten Island Advance
A New Jersey tomato company faces a class action lawsuit alleging it misled consumers by marketing canned tomatoes as authentically certified.Summary
A class action lawsuit filed by two California residents accuses Cento Fine Foods, a New Jersey-based company, of "tomato fraud" for marketing canned tomatoes as authentically certified. The plaintiffs allege the company intentionally misled customers by selling tomatoes with "Certified San Marzano" labeling that do not meet the strict European "Protected Designation of Origin" rules. Cento Fine Foods denies the claims, stating their tomatoes undergo rigorous quality controls and are grown in the Sarnese-Nocerino region of Italy. The lawsuit seeks $500 in restitution and damages for each plaintiff, along with a $10,000 incentive award, and $25 million in restitution for class members.
(Source：Staten Island Advance)