Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: The Meghalaya government ended its statewide freeze on Sting energy drink sales. The Food Safety Department cleared the product on August 15. This came just one day after officials pulled the drink from shelves as a precaution. Public outcry followed reports connecting the beverage to a local student's death.
A Food Safety Officer completed a formal inquiry into the incident on August 14. The report found no connection between the drink and the death. Commissioner of Food Safety Dr. Joram Beda signed the withdrawal order. It states the ban on stocking and distributing the drink "stands WITHDRAWN WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT".
Officials maintained that the initial restriction was not a judgment on the product or its manufacturer. The state did not find any violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. The department warned that lifting the ban is not a special endorsement of the brand.
Business owners must still follow all food safety laws. Inspectors will continue routine sampling and enforcement across Meghalaya to keep food products safe.
Updated at 18th August 2026 at 2:00pm
The inquiry into the student's death originated from Tura, with investigators wrapping up the probe on the same day it was ordered. While the ban lasted three days, officials clarified the move never suggested the manufacturer violated the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.
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