SHILLONG : The Meghalaya government has ordered an immediate statewide freeze on the sale, stocking and distribution of Sting energy drink, two days after the A’chik State Peoples’ Front (ASPF) sought restrictions on the product in Garo Hills following the reported death of a student.
The interim order was issued on August 14 by Commissioner of Food Safety Dr Joram Beda, citing concerns over the safety of the caffeinated beverage, possible health risks and compliance with mandatory labelling requirements.
The Food Safety Department said its enforcement reports had also found the product widely available among schoolchildren and adolescents, while verification of its caffeine content, ingredients and statutory warnings remained a concern.
The action follows the representation submitted by the ASPF on August 12, in which the organisation urged authorities to temporarily stop the sale, stocking and distribution of Sting across Garo Hills until its safety could be established. The group had also sought laboratory testing of samples and an inquiry into the reported student death.
The government order now extends the restriction across the entire state.
Food business operators, including distributors, wholesalers, retailers, vendors and online delivery platforms, have been directed not to sell, display, stock, market or distribute the drink with immediate effect.
Businesses that already have Sting in stock have been instructed to isolate the inventory and maintain its existing status. Any movement or disposal of the frozen stock without permission from the Food Safety Administration may invite penal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The statewide freeze has been imposed as an interim measure while laboratory analysis of the product is completed. The restriction will remain in force pending further assessment and orders from the authorities.
Importantly, the government order does not establish that Sting caused the student’s death.
The reported death was cited by ASPF in its earlier demand for precautionary action, while the Food Safety Department’s statewide order is based on broader safety, health and regulatory concerns raised by the group.
