Shillong, Aug 24: The state government has banned the sale of STING energy drink citing health concerns.
Food Safety Commissioner Dr Joram Beda issued an order in this regard on Friday.
Full order below
Dated: Shillong, the 14th August, 2026
STATUTORY ORDER
Subject: State-Wide Distribution Freeze and Prohibition on Sale, Stocking and Distribution of ‘STING’ Energy Drink
WHEREAS, public health concerns and formal representations have been sent to this office regarding safety, potential health hazards and labelling non-compliance of the caffeinated beverage commercialized under the brand name “STING” Energy drink across various Districts of Meghalaya;
WHEREAS, initial enforcement reports indicate widespread accessibility and consumption of the product among vulnerable groups including school children and adolescents without adequate regulatory verification of its caffeine levels, ingredients and mandatory statutory warnings;
WHEREAS, as a precautionary measure to safeguard public health and ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006 and Rules & Regulations made thereunder, it is deemed necessary to immediately halt the movement and commercial availability of the product across the entire State of Meghalaya pending complete Laboratory analysis;
NOW THEREFORE, in exercise of the powers conferred on me under Section 30 read with Section 38(1)(c) and applicable enforcement regulations the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006, I, Dr Joram Beda, IAS, Commissioner (Food Safety), Meghalaya, Shillong hereby orders an INTERIM IMMEDIATE STATE-WIDE DISTRIBUTION FREEZE & PROHIBITION under the following terms:
1. No Food Business Operators (FBOs) including Carrying & Forwarding (C&F) Agents, Manufacturers (if any in the State of Meghalaya), Stockists, Distributors, Wholesalers, Retailers and Vendors or online Delivery Platforms operating in the State of Meghalaya shall sell, offer for sale, display, stock, market or distribute ‘STING’ Energy Drink in any form or batch with immediate effect.
2. All Food Business Operators (FBOs) holding inventory of the product are directed to isolate their existing stock and maintain complete status quo. Any movement, transfer or secret disposal of the frozen stock without permission from the Food Safety Administration shall invite severe penal proceedings under Section 55 and 57 of the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006 and Rules & Regulations, 2011.
3. The duration of Freeze and Prohibition Order shall remain in force across all Districts of the State of Meghalaya until further orders are issued by this office upon evaluation of official Laboratory Analysis Reports.
This Order comes into force with immediate effect from the time and date of issuing it.
Dr Joram Beda, IAS
Sd/-Commissioner of Food Safety Meghalaya, Shillong
