Olympic organisers defend inflated food prices

Olympic organisers defend inflated food prices

Sydney, August 11: Sydney 2000 Olympics organisers have defended inflated food prices at Games venues despite criticism that the cost of some items was double the recommended retail price.

Sydney organisers unveiled their core food price list on Friday, outlining that prices would vary slightly from venue to venue depending on infrastructure and investment costs for caterers.

``We did this in order to keep prices down,'' Taylor said. ``I now believe there is a reasonable balance between prices and return investment having regard to the substantial risks being taken by caterers.''

Further price reductions would have ``reduced the required quality and service levels. This may have resulted in the withdrawal of caterers.''

Taylor said the prices were in line with other major sporting events and had only become an issue because the September 15- October 1 Olympics had come under intense media scrutiny.