World Food Program officials have expressed deep concern over the ongoing surge in rice prices that may put basic foods beyond the reach of the poorest especially in Asia and have termed the current crisis as a `silent famine'.

Countries including Haiti and Egypt have been hit by social unrest over food prices. Wheat, corn, soybeans and oil have also risen to records this year.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said yesterday that the rising food costs may hurt economic growth and threaten political security. The World Bank has forecast that 33 nations from Mexico to Yemen may face social unrest because of higher food and energy costs.