Meghalaya lifts Sting energy drink ban after inquiry

The Meghalaya government has lifted a statewide freeze on the sale and distribution of Sting energy drink after an inquiry found no link between the beverage and the death of a 12-year-old student in West Garo Hills.

Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla informed the State Assembly that the student died from irreversible shock caused by acute gastroenteritis (AGE), which subsequently led to acute kidney injury. This conclusion was based on a medical report from the Civil Hospital. The investigation also noted a statement from the child’s mother indicating the boy was not fond of the drink, and the attending physician reported that the child had not consumed any packaged food or drinks prior to the illness.

The temporary prohibition was originally imposed on August 14, 2026, following viral reports alleging the drink caused the child's death. However, the Food Safety Officer for West Garo Hills concluded there was no causal relationship, leading to the withdrawal of the ban on August 15. While the restriction has been lifted, the government stated that routine surveillance and monitoring of the product will continue.