Shoppers urged to question food-price increases

The Consumers' Association is urging shoppers to question the prices they are asked to pay for certain foods.

The association's chief executive, Dermot Jewell, says there is no price transparency in Ireland, so it is difficult for consumers to know when they are being ripped off.

He says retailers may be taking advantage of rising international food prices by adding on a bit more for themselves.

However, consumers should not be reluctant to question price increases at the counter and should tell the retailer they will be taking their business elsewhere if the explanation is not satisfactory.

"That's what will bring some degree of clarity and transparency and normality to pricing," he says.