Cellopacks

Seafood products, normally fillets, that have been wrapped together in cellophane or polyethylene film and typically packed in 5 or 10-lb. boxes. Cellos are very popular with institutional caterers and other purveyors who are less concerned about portion control. They are great for fast-food or fish-and-chip diners, where managers can compensate for irregular portions by adding or subtracting pieces.

Cellopacks (or "cellowraps") are normally ungraded, and if they are graded, the grade usually refers to the number of pieces per wrap. A 1/2 wrap or 2/4 wrap, for instance, means there are one to two pieces, or two to four pieces per cellopack, respectively. Those pieces may be uniform, but more often are irregular. Cellopacks are comparatively inexpensive since processors don't have to weigh and grade the product. They can also utilize irregular cuts that aren't appropriate for other packs. The weight of individual cellos varies, though many average 14 oz. Each cellowrap is usually labeled with information about the type of fish, the packer and the brand, though some cellos may also be unlabeled to permit tray-packing and labeling by retailers. Unlabeled cellopacks can invite mislabeling and product substitution. To avoid this, know what you are buying and who you are buying it from.