The Commissionerate of Food Safety, Meghalaya, has ordered a statewide ban on the sale, stocking, and distribution of ‘Sting’ energy drink, effective immediately. This decision comes after the A’chik State Peoples’ Front (ASPF) demanded action following the alleged death of a student linked to consumption of the energy drink.
The statutory order was issued by Commissioner of Food Safety Dr Joram Beda under Section 38(1)(c) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, citing public health concerns and formal representations regarding the safety, potential health hazards, and labelling non-compliance of the caffeinated beverage.
According to initial enforcement reports, the product was widely accessible and consumed among schoolchildren and adolescents without adequate verification of its caffeine levels, ingredients, and mandatory statutory warnings. As a precautionary measure, the Commissionerate has directed an immediate freeze on the commercial availability of Sting pending laboratory analysis.
All Food Business Operators, including manufacturers, stockists, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, vendors, and online delivery platforms, have been ordered to stop the sale, display, stocking, marketing, or distribution of the drink in any form or batch with immediate effect. Existing stocks must be isolated and maintained under complete status quo.
Any movement, transfer, or secret disposal of the frozen stock will invite proceedings under Sections 55 and 57 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the related Rules and Regulations of 2011. The prohibition will remain in force across all districts until further orders from the Food Safety Commissionerate after evaluation of the official laboratory reports.
