The Center for Food Integrity surveyed more than 2000 consumers and asked them to rate their level of concern on a variety of issues.

Respondents indicated they were "very concerned" about not only rising food costs but rising energy costs and the state of the US economy.

The survey showed 60pc of the respondents are more concerned about food prices today than they were a year ago.

"I believe this is the highest level of concern about the cost of food that we've seen in some time, certainly since World War II," said Charlie Arnot, the chief executive officer of CFI.

"The food system must address these concerns to maintain consumer trust and confidence in our ability to provide the safe, abundant and affordable food consumers expect."

To accomplish this, Arnot believes the food system must engage in dialogue with stakeholders along every step of the food system, including farmers, food companies, processors, retailers, restaurants, consumers, and governmental and non-governmental organisations.

Arnot said the key was "that sustainability includes practices that are ethically grounded, scientifically verified and economically viable".

Additional results from CFI's survey related to personal finance, the economy and the food system include:

* 47pc of respondents strongly agreed with the statement: "With the increase in food prices, we tend to eat out less than one year ago."

* 39pc of respondents strongly agreed with the statement: "With the increase in food prices, I am more likely to buy less expensive cuts of meat."

* 36pc of respondents strongly disagreed with the statement: "With the increase in food prices, I buy more canned fruits and vegetables instead of fresh."

* 23pc strongly agreed that US food is amongst the most affordable in the world today.