A lawsuit filed Tuesday in California accuses tomato product manufacturer Cento Fine Foods of misleading consumers about the authenticity of its San Marzano tomato products.

Two California residents filed the complaint alleging that Cento Fine Foods does not use genuine San Marzano tomatoes in at least one of its products despite marketing claims suggesting otherwise. The lawsuit characterizes the alleged practice as "tomato fraud."

San Marzano tomatoes are a premium variety traditionally grown in volcanic soil near Naples, Italy, and are protected by designation of origin regulations. The tomatoes command higher prices due to their reputation for superior flavor and quality in cooking applications.

The plaintiffs claim Cento's labeling and marketing practices deceive consumers who pay premium prices expecting authentic San Marzano tomatoes. The specific products and damages sought in the lawsuit were not detailed in available court filings.

Cento Fine Foods has not yet filed a formal response to the lawsuit. The company previously characterized similar legal challenges as "meritless" according to statements provided to news outlets.

The case highlights ongoing consumer protection concerns in the specialty food industry, where premium ingredients and geographic designations can significantly impact product pricing and consumer purchasing decisions.