Meghalaya Government Lifts Ban on Sting Energy Drink After Inquiry

Kohima, India Aug 27, 2026 ALN: Shillong: The Meghalaya government has informed the Assembly that it temporarily froze the sale and distribution of Sting energy drink across the state after reports linked its consumption to the death of a 12-year-old student in West Garo Hills. However, the restriction was lifted following an inquiry that found no causal relationship between the student's death and the drink.

Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla stated that the Commissionerate of Food Safety, Meghalaya, issued an interim order on August 14, 2026, under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, imposing a statewide freeze on the sale and distribution of Sting.

An immediate inquiry was ordered by the Food Safety Officer (FSO) in West Garo Hills.

Responding to supplementary questions from TMC MLA Rupa Marak during the Autumn Session, Shylla explained that the student died from irreversible shock due to acute gastroenteritis (AGE), leading to acute kidney injury, as per the medical report from the Civil Hospital.

The minister confirmed that the child was 12 years old.

How the Restriction Was Imposed and Withdrawn

According to Shylla, a local newspaper reported on August 12 that a young boy had died allegedly after consuming Sting. This report quickly went viral.

On August 13, a complaint regarding the incident was received, prompting the Commissioner of Food Safety to direct Assistant Commissioners and Designated Officers to investigate.

On August 14, the government imposed an interim distribution freeze on Sting pending an inquiry. Food Safety Officers were instructed to conduct an immediate investigation.

The inquiry report from the Food Safety Officer in West Garo Hills was received late on August 14.

By August 15, the inquiry concluded that no causal relationship had been established between the student's death and the consumption of Sting. Consequently, the interim freeze was lifted due to the absence of medical or legal grounds linking the drink to the death.

Shylla emphasized that the withdrawal of the restriction was a factual outcome of the inquiry and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the product. He assured that routine food-safety surveillance would continue.

Concerns Over Warnings for Children

Marak raised concerns about whether Sting carried appropriate warnings, noting that energy drinks with high caffeine and sugar levels may not be suitable for children and adolescents.

Shylla stated that products entering the market must comply with food-safety regulations, ensuring their ingredients and additives remain within permissible limits. Initially, he did not have information on whether the product carried a specific warning.

Marak later informed the House that he found a warning online stating that the product was not recommended for children.

He sought assurance that retailers would be prohibited from selling the drink to children and lactating mothers.

Shylla responded that if the warning was present on the label, it constituted a restriction under applicable requirements, and action would be taken against violations under the Food Safety Act.

He also noted that the inquiry involved more than just examining the hospital report.

According to Shylla, the mother of the deceased child provided a written statement during the inquiry, indicating that her child had never liked Sting. A doctor who recorded the child's medical history also stated that the child had not consumed packaged food or drinks prior to the incident.

Samples Sent for Laboratory Testing

The minister mentioned that the Food Safety Department had increased sampling following the incident and sent samples of Sting to NABL-accredited laboratories across the country.

He stated that the department collected six regulatory samples and eight surveillance samples of Sting after the incident, with samples taken from various districts, including North Garo Hills, West Khasi Hills, South Garo Hills, West Jaintia Hills, West Garo Hills, Ri-Bhoi, Eastern West Khasi Hills, and East Jaintia Hills.

The government is currently awaiting laboratory reports.

Shylla added that surveillance samples of the same drink had been collected before the incident in April and May, and the available laboratory reports indicated compliance.

Opposition Calls for Stronger Food-Safety Enforcement

Leader of Opposition Dr. Mukul Sangma urged the government to enhance monitoring and enforcement of food-safety laws throughout Meghalaya.

He warned that the issue extends beyond energy drinks, citing the presence of expired packaged food products in markets and the need for greater awareness among retailers, shopkeepers, and consumers.

Sangma called for a review of the government's food-safety enforcement strategy, especially given the increasing availability of processed and packaged foods, particularly those marketed to children.

He sought a clear commitment from the government to immediately review enforcement and issue appropriate advisories to retailers, shopkeepers, and consumers.

Government Cites Food-Safety Inspections

In response to the concerns, Shylla stated that the Food Safety Department is already conducting regular inspections and sampling as part of its statutory responsibilities.

He noted that food safety officers are required to inspect at least ten food business operators each month while collecting ten regulatory samples and fifteen surveillance samples.

Over the past three years, the department has conducted 3,726 inspections, tested 2,844 regulatory samples, and examined 5,741 surveillance samples, according to the minister.

The sampling covers a wide range of products, including milk, fresh food, meat, food grains, confectionery, water, and other food items.

Shylla assured that the department would continue its efforts to ensure food safety across the state.