Shillong, August 15: The Meghalaya government has imposed an immediate statewide freeze on the sale, stocking and distribution of ‘STING’ energy drink, citing public health concerns and pending laboratory analysis of the caffeinated beverage.
The order was issued by Dr Joram Beda, IAS, Commissioner of Food Safety, Meghalaya, on August 14 under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
According to the order, the Food Safety Commissioner received public health concerns and representations regarding the safety, potential health hazards and labelling compliance of the beverage marketed under the brand name ‘STING’ across various districts of the state.
The department said initial enforcement reports indicated widespread availability and consumption of the product among vulnerable groups, including schoolchildren and adolescents, without adequate regulatory verification of its caffeine levels, ingredients and mandatory statutory warnings.
As a precautionary measure, the government ordered an immediate halt to the movement and commercial availability of the product pending laboratory analysis.
The order prohibits all Food Business Operators, including carrying and forwarding agents, manufacturers, stockists, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, vendors and online delivery platforms operating in Meghalaya, from selling, offering for sale, displaying, stocking, marketing or distributing ‘STING’ energy drink in any form or batch.
FBOs holding stocks of the product have been directed to isolate the existing inventory and maintain it in complete status quo.
The order also prohibits the movement, transfer or disposal of the frozen stock without permission from the Food Safety Administration. Violations may invite proceedings under Sections 55 and 57 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and applicable rules and regulations.
The freeze will remain in force across all districts of Meghalaya until further orders, following evaluation of the official laboratory analysis reports. The order came into effect immediately upon its issuance.
