Shillong, Aug 12: A demand has been made to the Commissioner of Food Safety for an immediate prohibition on the sale and distribution of “Sting” energy drink across Garo Hills district citing public health concerns following the reported death of a student.
The A-chik State Peoples’ Front (ASPF) in a representation on Wednesday, stated that the incident has caused widespread concern among parents, teachers and students. It urged the administration to adopt a precautionary approach and temporarily ban the stocking, sale, distribution and promotion of the drink until its safety and compliance with food safety standards are verified.
According to the group, energy drinks are easily accessible to young people through shops, markets and vendors near educational institutions, and that students may consume them without understanding ingredients, stimulant content or health risks. It stressed that the well-being of children must take precedence over commercial convenience.
The ASPF requested the food safety authorities, Health Department and police to conduct a comprehensive inspection and inquiry into the reported incident and into the availability of the product. It also sought collection of samples from retail outlets for laboratory examination of composition, caffeine and stimulant content, labelling and expiry status. It further asked whether the drink is being sold around schools and if retailers are complying with legal requirements.
The group also called for a public advisory to schools, colleges, parents and retailers to exercise caution on consumption of energy drinks by children and adolescents, and for setting up a mechanism to report adverse health incidents allegedly linked to such products.
While the request for temporary restriction is not to prejudge any manufacturer or retailer, the ASPF said it is to place public safety-first pending investigation. It urged immediate administrative action to prevent further harm, stating that the reported death should serve as a wake-up call for stronger preventive measures and enforcement.
