BEIJING, Oct. 28 -- China's farm produce prices in 36 large and medium-sized cities edged down slightly in the week ending Oct. 26 compared with the previous week, the Ministry of Commerce said on Tuesday.

Prices of pork and mutton declined 0.6 and 0.3 percent respectively, while beef prices went up 0.2 percent, according to a statement posted on the ministry's website.

Price of cooking oil decreased, and price of rice and flour stayed flat, the statement said.

Last week, the average price of 18 vegetables declined 2.4 percent compared to the previous week. The price of green beans, lettuce and cabbage declined 8.8 percent, 8.3 percent and 7 percent, respectively.

Food accounts for about one third of China's consumer price index (CPI), a main gauge of inflation.

The CPI grew 1.6 percent year on year in September, down from 2 percent in the previous month, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.