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Topping the list was the spike in food prices around the world, followed by the milk scandal in China.

Hunter Public Relations reached out to more than 900 food editors and bloggers across the US, asking them to rate the top 10 food-related stories of 2008.

Here's the list of stories that made the Top 10:

1. Rise in food prices around the world

2. China's tainted milk scandal

3. Salmonella outbreak in raw tomatoes

4. Supermarket chains offer more locally grown food

5. New labelling laws

6. Big food companies adopt nutrient standards

7. Jalapeño peppers test positive for salmonella

8. Paul Newman dies

9. NYC restaurant regulations levels of alarm associated with high salt intake.

Survey participants were also asked what they thought food companies should make their number one priority for the coming year. In line with the economic crisis of 2008, editors overwhelmingly believed that food companies’ top priority should be offering budget-friendly meal options.

Source: Hunter Public Relations