WASHINGTON – The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an increase of 0.2 percent for the Consumer Price Index in August, on a seasonally adjusted basis. The index for meat, poultry, fish and eggs fell 0.4 percent in August. A decline in meat, poultry, fish and eggs has occurred every month for the past year. In addition, over the past 12 months, this segment posted the largest decline of any other — falling 6.5 percent.

The food index for August was unchanged, as it was in July, while the index for food at home continued to decline in August, decreasing 0.2 percent, according to the bureau. The index for food away from home continued to rise in August, increasing 0.2 percent.

Over the past 12 months, the food index was unchanged; this was the first 12-month period the index did not increase since the 12 months ending February 2010. The food at home index fell 1.9 percent, and the index for food away from home has increased 2.8 percent over the past 12 months.