The iPhone manufacturing company, Apple, has put the Indian plant of one of its main suppliers ‘on probation’ after mass food poisoning cases surged among their female factory workers.
Earlier this month, around 250 female workers working in the iPhone manufacturing plant of Foxconn company located in Chennai city had been treated for food poisoning as out-patients while more than 150 were hospitalised.
This was followed by a massive protest demonstration against living conditions at hostels for factory workers. It led to the closure of its supplier factory at Sriperumbudur near Chennai, which is closed since December 18.
Apple stated that it has placed the plant “on probation” after the company found that factory dormitories and dining rooms used for employees did not meet the standardised requirements for food. The company further added that they are currently working with the supplier to enforce “a comprehensive set of corrective actions”.
Currently, the Indian plant unit employs about 17,000 people. It manufactures iPhones for the Indian market and for exports, and other gadgets as well.
Foxconn said it was “very sorry for the issue our employees experienced and are taking immediate steps to enhance the facilities and services we provide at the remote dormitory accommodations.”
“We are also restructuring our local management team and our management systems to ensure we can achieve and maintain the high standards that are needed,” the company further added.
Foxconn assured that salary would continue to be provided among employees while necessary improvements would be made before the operation restarts.
