Open tin can with fresh tomatoes
Food - Drink
The DOP Label On Canned Tomatoes Will Tell You A Lot On What's Inside
By HOPE NGO
A can of whole peeled tomatoes on a white background
DOP (Denominazione d'Origine Protetta) status, or Protected Designation of Origin in English, is for Italian food products that can only be produced in one region to be authentic.
Tomato vine growing in a French vegetable bed
San Marzano tomatoes have DOP status because they are grown in an area whose geographic features make them unique and exceptional, and their production is tightly controlled.
Sliced fresh red tomatoes isolated on a white background.
Every authentic can of DOP San Marzano tomatoes will contain peeled tomatoes that are either whole or cut in half. They won’t come in cartons or be sold diced or pureed.
Roasted cherry and rosa tomatoes viewed from above on a baking sheet
The cans should also have a seal, which might be printed in English as "Protected Designation of Origin" or PDO, but be sure to read the details of this seal to avoid fakes.