Shillong, Aug 17: The Commissionerate of Food Safety, Meghalaya withdrew the interim state-wide freeze on the sale, stocking and distribution of ‘Sting’ energy drink, after an inquiry found no link between the beverage and the reported death of a student.
The freeze was imposed on August 14, following reports that alleged a student’s death was linked to consumption of the caffeinated drink.
Commissioner of Food Safety Dr. Joram Beda said the restriction was lifted based on an inquiry report submitted on August 14 by the Food Safety Officer from Tura. The report stated the investigation “did not establish any causal relationship between consumption of ‘Sting’ energy drink and the reported death.”
In a statutory order issued on August 15, Dr. Beda said the interim prohibition stands withdrawn with immediate effect.
The Commissionerate clarified the withdrawal relates only to the reported incident and should not be taken as “an adverse finding or as a special certification or endorsement of any particular product or manufacturer.”
It added that all food business operators must continue to comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and that routine surveillance, sampling and enforcement will continue for all food products in the state.
