8 in 10 concerned about rising food prices

UTICA, N.Y., July 26 (UPI) -- Eight in 10 U.S. adults are concerned about rising food prices blamed on drought, a poll released Thursday indicates.

The IBOPE Inteligencia poll also shows consumers may compensate for high food prices by cutting back on dining out.

The poll said 85 percent of U.S. adults are either very concerned -- 40 percent -- or somewhat concerned -- 45 percent -- the damage to corn crops and the drought may cause food prices to rise.

Asked to pick from a list of things they might cut back on if food prices rise on a large scale, 81 percent said dining out, 68 percent said entertainment, 57 percent said travel and vacations, 42 percent said gifts, 41 percent home wares, 33 percent charity donations, 28 percent salon visits or haircuts and 24 percent non-essential utilities.

The poll was conducted as an online survey of 2,098 U.S. adults. The margin of error is plus or minus 2.2 percentage points. The polling group said slight weights were added for region, party, age, race, religion, gender and education to more accurately reflect the population.

Neither the group's statement on the poll nor the group's Web site said when the poll was taken.