Noodlers Accused of Colluding

(Beijing, China) July's jump in food prices of more than 15 percent has produced finger-pointing in China.

The government slammed Chinese instant-noodle makers yesterday as being partly to blame for a surge in inflation, saying they illegally colluded to boost prices by up to 40 percent in a scheme that has prompted public outcry.

The International Ramen Manufacturers Association blames soaring raw-material costs.

A noodle cartel?