US and Canadian bacon prices have hit record highs, with a nearly 30% increase over the past year, reaching over $7 per pound. This price hike is due to a supply-demand imbalance caused by the pandemic, which has led to processing capacity issues in slaughterhouses and a decrease in the American pig population. The US Department of Agriculture has reported a significant drop in pork belly stock in cold storage. The high meat prices are also attributed to market power of large slaughterhouses, a shortage of personnel, and high energy prices. Inflation is expected to continue due to these factors.