Large blocks of ice
Freeze all meats, poultry, fish and other items that must remain cold at home before leaving. Ensure that these foods are purchased in large blocks. Large blocks of ice take much longer to thaw than smaller, broken up chunks. As a result, your food will remain fresh longer.
Store your frozen items or ice in purpose-built cooling containers, plastic buckets or zip-lock bags. Whatever container you use, make sure you leave some free space in it, as ice expands when it thaws back into water. If you are freezing your ice at home, fill it only two thirds with water.
Carry ice that will be used specifically for drinks in a separate container since your food storage ice can get contaminated from bloody meat and other juices.
Wrap meat and poultry items in an extra plastic bag if they are to be stored in your ice container. Doing so will help prevent the juices from contaminating the ice.
Keep dairy items and other non-meat perishables away from the meat items to prevent cross-contamination.
Throw away meats or other frozen products that no longer feel cold as it is no longer safe to consume them.
Wash your hands thoroughly before serving or eating if you come in contact with meat products in the ice container, or the ice itself. Contamination from meat juices can cause a deadly bout of food poisoning.
