Food manufacturers promised Mexico's government on Wednesday to freeze prices on more than 150 food products to help families deal with rising costs. President Felipe Calderon announced that prices for goods such as flour, cooking oil, canned tuna, fruit juices, coffee, ketchup, and canned tomatoes will remain fixed until the end of the year. “This is a measure that will positively and directly benefit the finances of millions of Mexicans,” Calderon said in Mexico City. “This reflects the commitment of Mexican businessmen to the country and to price stability.” Calderon has blamed high food costs on rising energy prices, soaring food demand in China and India, and the use of corn for ethanol production. The Mexican leader already has taken several steps to fight high prices. He eliminated import barriers on wheat, corn, and rice in May, won an agreement from rice farmers to sell their crop at 10 percent below international prices, and last year imposed price caps on tortillas, Mexico's staple food.
