WASHINGTON – The Consumer Price Index (CPI) reported large meat price increases over the past 12 months in its latest numbers released from the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the US Department of Labor.

CPI data showed that the meats, poultry, fish, and eggs index rose 11.9% compared to the same time in 2020. Beef went up by 20.1% and pork prices are up 14.1 %. CPI said this is the largest 12-month increase since the period ending December 1990. 

Poultry prices also ticked up 7.5%.  

From month to month, the index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs continued to rise, increasing 1.7% following a 2.2% increase in September. The index for beef rose 3.1% from September. 

The food at home index rose 5.4 % over the past 12 months and increased 1% in October compared to September as all six grocery store food group indexes continued to rise. 

The index for food away from home rose 5.3% over the last year. The index for limited-service meals increased 7.1%, and the index for full-service meals rose 5.9% over the same period.

Dairy and related products increased 1.8% in October.