Low wages and income inequality limit households' ability to afford adequate and nutritious food.

They say the amount under discussion is disproportionate to their current operating costs following the removal of diesel subsidies last year.

An academic says the zeal with which the authorities enforce halal certification is due to the bureaucratisation of Islam.

Teh tarik is among the popular food and drinks that will be affected, say restaurant owners.

Customers say they are still forced to buy premium sugar even if all they want is normal coarse sugar.

They say the rising costs are making it too difficult for them to continue absorbing the cost of the affordable meals.

Many eateries are grappling with the increase in price of raw goods and other operational costs such as rent.

Experts say it is unlikely that the problems with local food supply will resolve on their own.

Prices usually ease from August, when the harvest makes its way to the market, but this year, traders expect costs to remain high until October as supplies stay tight.

While some consumers think eating insects is just gross, Japan has a rich culinary history of insects as food.

FAO says the higher forecast is almost entirely driven by better prospects for global wheat production, with the forecast lifted by 0.9% to 783.3 million tonnes.

The products will be available soon at select restaurants.