Unhygienic gajak production sparks action in Bathinda, factory sealed

Gajak, a sweet snack that people love to consume in the winter season. Traditionally, prepared with sesame seeds, peanuts and jaggery along with ghee, it provides warmth and instant energy to the body. Gajak production in India is concentrated in regions known for their traditional sweets and cold weather, as Gajak is a winter delicacy. Its production is prevalent in states like Madhya Pradesh, Jaipur, Kota (Rajasthan), Punjab and Haryana. In a shocking turn of events, there is a video which is circulating on social media of a Gajak factory in Bathinda, Punjab, where Gajak is being made by crushing it with feet. Taking cognizance of the video, the administration reached the site, investigated the factory, and subsequently sealed it after collecting samples of Gajak and its raw materials. In this case, challan action has also been initiated against the factory owner.The incident pertains to Goniana Mandi in Bathinda.According to the team of officials who investigated the factory, no license had been issued for its operation. Workers in this illegally run factory were preparing consignments of Gajak by crushing it with their feet. Recently, a social worker entered the factory and recorded the process of making Gajak on his mobile camera. He posted the video on social media, which later went viral. The social worker claimed that processes such as peeling peanuts and other production steps were also completed using feet. A large Gajak quantity seizedThe district health officer took note of the viral video and instructed Health Inspector Navdeep Singh Chahal to investigate the matter. Following this, the health inspector and his team raided the factory, confirming that public health was being compromised. As a result, the team seized four and a half quintals of Gajak. Samples of the seized goods were taken and sent for testing. The inspector noted that the factory owner did not possess a valid license, nor were hygiene standards maintained within the premises. The health inspector stated that the factory owner, Vinod Kumar, has been challaned and directed to appear at the Bathinda ADC office. After the action, DHO Amritpal Singh confirmed that the factory has been sealed, and a challan has been filed against the owner. He further stated that the case will be heard in the ADC court. If found guilty, the factory owner may face a fine ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1 lakh.