Pay More For Pre-packed Food, Hospital Rooms

Starting today, a 5 per cent GST (goods and services tax) rate will be levied on packed and labelled food items such as cereals, pulses and flour weighing up to 25 kg, a detailed frequently asked questions (FAQs) compilation by the Union Finance Ministry stated. Unbranded food items ranging from cereals, pulses to curd, 'lassi' and puffed rice will now be taxed under the tax regime. Prior to this, only branded items used to attract the levy.