TURA : The A·chik State Peoples’ Front (ASPF) has asked the Meghalaya Commissioner of Food Safety to temporarily prohibit or restrict the sale and distribution of Sting energy drink across Garo Hills, following the reported death of a student allegedly after consuming the product.
In a memorandum dated August 12, ASPF said the reported incident has raised concern among parents, teachers, students and the wider public. The organisation, however, acknowledged that the exact medical and factual circumstances surrounding the death require investigation by the competent authorities.
ASPF has sought an immediate district-wide restriction on the sale, stocking, distribution and promotion of Sting as a precautionary measure until the facts are established.
The organisation has also asked food safety, health and police authorities to conduct a detailed inquiry into the reported incident and examine the availability and sale of the drink across the district.It called for samples of the product to be collected from retail outlets and tested in laboratories for ingredients, caffeine and other stimulant content, manufacturing details, expiry status, labelling and compliance with food-safety requirements.
The group further urged authorities to inspect whether the drink is being sold in or around educational institutions and whether retailers and distributors are following applicable regulations.
ASPF also proposed a public advisory for schools, colleges, parents, guardians, students, retailers and the general public on the consumption of energy drinks, particularly by children and adolescents. The organisation said the proposed restriction is a precautionary step and should not be treated as establishing a link between Sting and the reported death before the investigation is completed.
The memorandum was submitted to the Commissioner of Food Safety, with copies forwarded to the Health and Family Welfare Minister, senior Food Safety officials, the Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety in Tura and the media.
