Shillong, Aug 14: The Meghalaya government has ordered an immediate statewide freeze on the sale, stocking and distribution of STING energy drink over public health concerns and alleged violations of labelling norms.
The order, issued on August 14 by Commissioner of Food Safety Dr Joram Beda under the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006, will remain in force across all districts until further notice pending official laboratory analysis of the product.
The Commissionerate of Food Safety said the decision followed representations regarding potential health hazards and alleged non-compliance in the labelling of the caffeinated beverage.
Initial enforcement reports also indicated that the drink was widely accessible and being consumed by vulnerable groups, including schoolchildren and adolescents, without proper verification of its caffeine content, ingredients and mandatory warnings.
“The measure is a precautionary step to safeguard public health and ensure strict compliance with food safety regulations across Meghalaya,” the Commissionerate of Food Safety said.
The order prohibits all Food Business Operators, including manufacturers, carrying and forwarding agents, stockists, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, vendors and online delivery platforms, from selling, displaying, marketing or distributing STING in any form or batch with immediate effect.
Food Business Operators holding existing stocks have been directed to isolate the inventory and maintain status quo.
Any movement, transfer or secret disposal of the frozen stock without prior permission from the Food Safety Administration will invite penal proceedings under the Act, the order stated.
The statewide freeze will continue until further orders are issued after evaluation of the official laboratory reports.
