World food prices fell in April for the first time in 15 months, according to figures from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

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The FAO said it was important to be cautious about the figure, but that it was time to be a little bit optimistic.

But other analysts warned that many of the factors that have boosted food prices had not gone away.

'Bit optimistic'

"Since the beginning of May, there have been some positive signs, especially coming from the wheat crop prospects, which are very good," Abdolrea Abbasian from the FAO told the BBC.

"Overall, I think as time goes on, we are getting a little bit optimistic," he added.

But Joel Segal from Ernst & Young did not see a let-up in prices.

"It is dangerous to look at just one month, especially when the underlying factors remain the same," he said.

Mr Segal pointed to factors such as population growth still outstripping food production, increased affluence pushing up meat consumption, and the use of grain for biofuels.

(BBC)

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