Shillong, Aug 14: The Meghalaya government has imposed an immediate statewide ban on the sale, stocking and distribution of ‘Sting’ energy drink citing public health concerns, after an organisation sought an urgent prohibition in Garo Hills following the reported death of a student.
In an order issued by Commissioner of Food Safety Dr Joram Beda, all food business operators (FBOs) including manufacturers, stockists, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, vendors and online delivery platforms have been directed to halt sale and movement of the caffeinated beverage with immediate effect.
The order said representations were received regarding safety and potential health hazards of the product, along with enforcement reports indicating widespread consumption among school children and adolescents without adequate verification of caffeine levels, ingredients and statutory warnings.
The directive came after the Achik State Peoples’ Front (ASPF) submitted a representation demanding an immediate prohibition in Garo Hills.
The ASPF cited the reported death of a student and said the incident had caused widespread concern among parents, teachers and students. It urged authorities to adopt a precautionary approach and temporarily ban stocking, sale, distribution and promotion of the drink until its safety and compliance are verified.
According to the organisation, energy drinks are easily accessible to young people through shops and vendors near educational institutions, and 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 also requested food safety authorities, the Health Department and police to conduct a comprehensive inspection into the reported incident and into the availability of the product. It sought collection of samples from retail outlets for laboratory examination of composition, caffeine and stimulant content, labelling and expiry status, and asked whether the drink is being sold around schools.
It further called for a public advisory to schools, colleges, parents and retailers to exercise caution on consumption by children and adolescents, and for a mechanism to report adverse health incidents allegedly linked to such products.
As a precautionary measure under the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006, the Commissioner has ordered an interim distribution freeze pending complete laboratory analysis.
All FBOs holding inventory have been directed to isolate existing stock and maintain status quo.
The order warned that any movement, transfer or secret disposal of frozen stock without permission will invite penal action under Sections 55 and 57 of the Act.
The ban will remain in force across all districts of Meghalaya until further orders are issued after evaluation of official laboratory reports.
