SHILLONG : The Meghalaya government has withdrawn its interim statewide freeze on the sale, stocking and distribution of STING energy drink after a Food Safety Department inquiry found no causal relationship between the beverage and the reported death of a student.
The withdrawal order was issued on August 15 by Commissioner of Food Safety Dr Joram Beda, a day after the state imposed the restriction as a precautionary measure following public concern over the student’s death and an alleged link with consumption of the caffeinated drink.
According to the statutory order, the Food Safety Officer who investigated the circumstances submitted an inquiry report on August 14. The report concluded that the investigation did not establish any causal relationship between consumption of STING and the reported death.
The Commissionerate said the initial freeze was imposed after reports appeared in local media and representations were received seeking an examination of the matter. The action was described as an interim precaution pending verification of the facts.
After considering the inquiry report and other material available on record, the Food Safety Commissionerate said there was no ground to continue the restriction.
The order states that the statewide freeze and prohibition on the sale, stocking and distribution of STING “stands WITHDRAWN WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.”
The department, however, made clear that lifting the restriction should not be treated as a certification or endorsement of the product or its manufacturer.
It also clarified that the earlier restriction did not amount to a finding that STING had caused or contributed to the reported death, or that the product or its manufacturer had violated the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The restriction had covered food business operators across Meghalaya, including stockists, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and vendors.
The department had also directed businesses holding stocks of the drink to keep them isolated while the inquiry was underway.
With the interim order withdrawn, food businesses can resume dealing in the product, subject to the normal requirements under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and related rules.
The Commissionerate said routine surveillance, sampling and regulatory enforcement will continue for food products across Meghalaya.
