will be under more pressure to raise uk interest rates when it meets tomorrow. that�*s after new figures showing food prices rising faster than any time in the last 45 years, contributing to a surprise surge in the cost of living. analysts had widely predicted it would continue falling. inflation, which measures the pace at which prices are rising, jumped to 10.4% in the year to february. that�*s up from 10.1 the month before. shortages of salad and vegetables helped push food inflation to 18.2%, the highest since 1978. the increase was also driven by higher prices in cafes, pubs and restaurants. so—called "core inflation" — which strips out items such as food, energy, alcohol and tobacco — also unexpectedly rose, to 6.2% up from 5.8%. this chart, going back ten years, gives you an idea ofjust how far the headline rate is above the bank of england�*s inflation target of 2%. here�*s simon french, chief economist at panmure gordon.