Peruvian protest rising food prices

LIMA, July 10 (UPI) -- Thousands of union workers protested across Peru against rising food prices, authorities said.

The protesters claimed that the rising food prices were the result of free-market policies adopted by Peruvian President Alan Garcia.

Police said nine officers were wounded trying to contain crowds advancing with sticks, El Comercio reported Thursday. In all, an estimated 30,000 protesters demonstrated Wednesday, reported several Peruvian media outlets.

A government building was set on fire in Puerto Maldonado, said Peruvian officials.