How Much Can You Really Get in Tax-Free Food Coupons from Your Employer?

I am staying in Chennai and work for an MNC company (IT/ITes). What is the maximum amount we can get as part of food coupons in our salary? My company pays me Rs. 2000 for which I have to pay no tax. However, some other companies pay Rs. 3500 as food coupons with no income tax. Another company where my friend works pays Rs. 5000 as food coupons.

Also, let me know whether we can verify this information on some online websites. Kindly clarify.

Thanks

Food Coupon Slabs and Tax Exemption

This is one grey area where companies adopt different slabs for food coupons. Per meal, the amount is Rs. 50/-. Considering 2 meals in a 9-hour working day, it amounts to Rs. 100/- a day. Assuming 25 working days in a month, the total is Rs. 2500/- per month for the issue of food coupons. No clarity is available.

Regards,
Pon