Shillong, Aug 17: The Meghalaya Commissionerate of Food Safety has withdrawn with immediate effect the interim statewide freeze and prohibition on the sale, stocking and distribution of STING Energy Drink, after an official inquiry found no causal relationship between consumption of the beverage and the reported death of a student.
The withdrawal order was issued on August 15 by the Commissioner of Food Safety, Meghalaya, following an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the reported incident.
The interim restriction had been imposed on August 14 as a precautionary measure following reports in the local media concerning the student’s death and an alleged association with consumption of STING. The Food Safety authorities had said the restriction was intended to remain in place pending verification of the facts.
According to the withdrawal order, the Food Safety Officer conducted an inquiry and submitted a report dated August 14, which did not establish any causal relationship between consumption of STING Energy Drink and the reported death.
Following consideration of the inquiry report and the material available on record, the Commissionerate concluded that there were no grounds to continue the precautionary restriction.
The order, therefore, states that the interim statewide freeze and prohibition on the sale, stocking and distribution of STING “stands withdrawn with immediate effect.”
However, the Food Safety Commissioner clarified that the withdrawal should not be interpreted as an adverse finding or as a special certification or endorsement of STING or its manufacturer.
Food Business Operators across Meghalaya have also been directed to continue complying with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, along with applicable rules, regulations, directions and advisories. Routine surveillance, sampling and regulatory enforcement will continue for food products across the state.
