The Commissioner of Food Safety, Meghalaya, Dr Joram Beda, IAS, has ordered an interim immediate state-wide distribution freeze and prohibition on the sale, stocking and distribution of STING Energy Drink across Meghalaya, citing public health concerns and the need for regulatory verification.
The Statutory Order issued by the Commissionerate of Food Safety, Health & Family Welfare Department, Shillong, stated that public health concerns and formal representations had been received regarding the safety, potential health hazards and labelling non-compliance of the caffeinated beverage marketed under the brand name “STING” Energy Drink across various districts of Meghalaya.
The order further noted that initial enforcement reports indicated widespread accessibility and consumption of the product among vulnerable groups, including school children and adolescents, without adequate regulatory verification of its caffeine levels, ingredients and mandatory statutory warnings.
As a precautionary measure to safeguard public health and ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006, and the Rules and Regulations made thereunder, the Food Safety Department has deemed it necessary to immediately halt the movement and commercial availability of the product throughout Meghalaya pending complete laboratory analysis.
Exercising powers under Section 30 read with Section 38(1)(c) and applicable enforcement regulations of the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006, the Commissioner has ordered the following:
- No Food Business Operator (FBO), including Carrying & Forwarding (C&F) Agents, manufacturers, if any, in Meghalaya, stockists, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, vendors or online delivery platforms operating in the state shall sell, offer for sale, display, stock, market or distribute STING Energy Drink in any form or batch with immediate effect.
- All FBOs holding inventory of the product have been directed to isolate their existing stock and maintain complete stock status quo. Any movement, transfer or secret disposal of frozen stock without permission from the Food Safety Administration shall invite severe penal proceedings under Sections 55 and 57 of the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006, and Rules & Regulations, 2011.
- The Freeze and Prohibition Order shall remain in force across all districts of Meghalaya until further orders are issued by the Food Safety Commissioner following evaluation of the official laboratory analysis reports.
The order comes into force with immediate effect from the time and date of its issuance, August 14, 2026.
The order was issued by Dr Joram Beda, IAS, Commissioner of Food Safety, Meghalaya, Shillong.
