The cost of food around the world is at its highest point in
two years, as measured by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture
Organization’s Food Price Index.
The index measures monthly prices on international markets for
selected foods. It rose to 173.8 points in January, up 3.7 points (by 2.1
percent) from the revised December value, the FAO said in a news release.
It’s the highest since February 2015 and as much as 24.5
points (16.4 percent) above its level in the corresponding period last year.
But the surge in prices is not being driven by meat, as has
often been the case in the past. In fact, the FAO Meat Price Index averaged
156.7 points in January, almost unchanged from its revised value for December.
Increases in beef prices were offset by drops in the cost of
lamb and mutton, as well as poultry and pork.
