Shillong, Aug 14: Meghalaya has imposed an immediate statewide freeze on the sale, stocking and distribution of Sting energy drink, citing public health concerns and alleged labelling and regulatory compliance issues.
The interim order, issued on Friday by Dr Joram Beda, Commissioner of Food Safety, Meghalaya, directs all food business operators—including distributors, wholesalers, retailers, vendors, stockists and online delivery platforms—to stop selling, displaying, stocking or distributing Sting in any form or batch with immediate effect.
The Food Safety Department said the action followed public health concerns and representations regarding the safety, potential health hazards and labelling compliance of the caffeinated beverage.
The order also flags the product’s widespread accessibility and consumption among schoolchildren and adolescents, saying there had not been adequate regulatory verification of its caffeine levels, ingredients and mandatory statutory warnings.
The government has ordered businesses holding Sting stocks to isolate their existing inventory and maintain complete stock records. They have also been barred from moving, transferring or secretly disposing of the frozen stock without permission from the Food Safety Administration.
Violations could invite penal proceedings under Sections 55 and 57 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, along with applicable regulations, according to the order.
Importantly, the freeze is interim, pending laboratory analysis. It will remain in force across all districts until further orders are issued following evaluation of official laboratory reports.
The order, issued under powers conferred by the Food Safety and Standards Act, came into force with immediate effect from the time and date of its issuance on August 14, 2026.
