Government is to regulate private retail chains to rein in high food prices. This was stated by Union Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies K V Thomas in Thiruvananthapuram today. He said the government is not against private retail chains. But it will not allow them to make undue profit. He said the State Governments have been advised on this. Thomas said the studies on recent increase in onion prices had suggested that private retail chains are making excess profits, as they have facilities to store perishable goods in large quantities. He said it is also planned to review the Essential Commodities Act as suggested by many state governments.The minister said the UPA Government is working out modalities to supply more essential commodities through the Public Distribution System. Four zonal-level meetings of state food ministers will be held to include the state governments' suggestions on the matter. He said the first meeting will be held in Thiruvananthapuram on the 3rd of next month followed by meetings in Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai.