Global food prices are at the highest level ever seen, data from the UN's Food and Agricultural Organisation shows.

A previous record was set in 2008, but even these figures have now been surpassed, it revealed, with sugar, cereal and oil among the main ingredients to be affected.

The index takes into account a number of items usually seen in a standard food basket, with figures in December registering at 214.7 points, up from 206.0 in the previous month.

In June 2008, when the previous record was established, the reading stood at 213.5 points.

Sugar prices are expected to continue to rise, especially in light of the recent flooding in Queensland, Australia, where the sugar content of the cane has been seriously reduced.

The British government recently launched a new healthy eating initiative under its Change4Life programme, offering people advice on the best foods and money off vouchers for ingredients.