The Commissionerate of Food Safety, Health & Family Welfare Department, Meghalaya, has withdrawn with immediate effect the interim statewide freeze and prohibition on the sale, stocking and distribution of ‘STING’ Energy Drink.
The statutory order, issued by the Commissioner of Food Safety, Meghalaya, Dr Joram Beda, IAS, on August 15, 2026, follows reports published in local media, including a Highland Post report dated August 12, 2026, concerning public health concerns arising from the reported death of a student and an alleged association with consumption of the caffeinated beverage marketed under the brand name “STING”.
Following representations seeking examination of the matter, the Food Safety authorities had, as a precautionary measure, temporarily restricted the sale and distribution of the beverage pending verification of the facts. Considering the nature of the reported incident and the public concern, the Commissionerate of Food Safety imposed an interim statewide freeze on the sale, stocking and distribution of “STING”.
The interim restriction was imposed through Order No. CFSM/DC.Enforcement/2025.66/2207 dated August 14, 2026. The Commissionerate, however, clarified that the action was taken purely as a precautionary and interim measure pending inquiry and verification. It did not constitute any finding or determination that the product had caused or contributed to the reported incident, or that the product or its manufacturer was in violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
An inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the reported incident was subsequently conducted by the Food Safety Officer under Letter No. CFSM/DC.Enforcement/2025.66/2209 dated August 14, 2026. Following the inquiry and verification of the relevant facts and circumstances, the Food Safety Officer submitted an Inquiry Report dated August 14, 2026, from Tura, reporting that the inquiry did not establish any causal relationship between consumption of “STING” Energy Drink and the reported death.
After considering the Inquiry Report and the material available on record, the Commissionerate concluded that there were no grounds arising from the reported incident for continuation of the precautionary interim restriction.
Accordingly, in continuation of the August 14 order, Dr Joram Beda, IAS, Commissioner of Food Safety, Meghalaya, ordered that the interim statewide freeze and prohibition on the sale, stocking and distribution of “STING” Energy Drink stands withdrawn with immediate effect.
The order also clarified that the withdrawal of the interim restriction is based on the findings of the inquiry relating to the reported incident and should not be construed either as an adverse finding or as a special certification or endorsement of any particular product or manufacturer.
All Food Business Operators have been directed to continue complying with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, along with the Rules, Regulations, directions and advisories issued under it. Routine surveillance, sampling and regulatory enforcement will continue in the ordinary course in respect of all food products in the State.
The order came into force with immediate effect from the date and time of its issuance.
