Shillong: Meghalaya officials pulled the plug on Sting energy drink. The Commissionerate of Food Safety ordered an immediate, statewide freeze on all sales, stocking, and distribution of the caffeinated beverage. This move follows the death of a student reportedly linked to the drink.
The A•chik State Peoples’ Front demanded action after the tragedy. Commissioner Dr. Joram Beda issued the order this past Friday under Section 38(1)(c) of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. Officials cited major public health concerns and noted that the drink lacks proper labeling and poses potential hazards. Dr. Beda stated the ban is a "precautionary measure" while the state awaits official lab analysis.
Reports show children and teenagers were drinking the product without knowing the risks. Nobody checked the caffeine levels or the ingredients. Now, the crackdown is total. Every manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, and online delivery platform must stop selling the product immediately.
Business owners must keep existing stock isolated. Do not touch it. Any secret disposal or movement of the drink will trigger legal action under Sections 55 and 57 of the Food Safety and Standards Act. The ban covers every district in the state until further notice.
Updated at 15th August 2026 at 2:00pm
The directive now explicitly ropes in carrying and forwarding agents under the umbrella of regulated Food Business Operators. This adds another layer of enforcement to the already strict prohibition on manufacturers, distributors, and online delivery outfits.
Officials clarified that any unauthorized movement, transfer, or secret disposal of the frozen stock remains strictly off-limits. Business owners are barred from shifting any inventory without explicit permission from the Food Safety Administration. The ban took effect the moment the order hit the desk on August 14.
Updated at 15th August 2026 at 6:00pm
The crackdown now explicitly ropes in carrying and forwarding agents under the umbrella of regulated Food Business Operators. This adds another layer of enforcement to the already strict prohibition on manufacturers, distributors, and online delivery outfits.
Officials clarified that any unauthorized movement, transfer, or secret disposal of the frozen stock remains strictly off-limits. Business owners are barred from shifting any inventory without explicit permission from the Food Safety Administration. The ban took effect the moment the order hit the desk on August 14.
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