Record pork prices in Sep. as meat, eggs stay expensive

A Japanese government survey shows that beef and chicken prices are above average in September, with pork hitting a record level.

Japan's agriculture ministry surveys hundreds of stores across the country every month about the retail price of 100 grams of meat.

It says pork loin was 293 yen, or about a dollar ninety, which is 7 percent above an average year and the highest since the survey began in August 2003.

The ministry notes that as food prices rise, demand for pork grows due to its relative affordability.

The price of imported beef loin was 442 yen, up 26 percent from an average year. Domestic beef was 859 yen, up 3 percent.

Chicken came in at 155 yen, down from a record in August but 13 percent above average.

Meanwhile, egg prices also returned to a record high, hitting 309 yen for a pack of 10. Officials say shipments have not yet recovered from bird flu outbreaks last season.

The ministry says it will keep a close watch on foreign exchange rates and animal feed prices going forward.