After mass food poisoning & protests, Apple puts Tamil Nadu iPhone plant 'on probation'

Apple has put the Tamil Nadu plant of its main supplier ‘on probation’ after a mass food poisoning of employees which has triggered protests.

In Sriperumbudur, some 250 women working at the iPhone factory of Taipei-based company Foxconn's were treated for food poisoning in December, 159 of whom were hospitalised.

This prompted demonstrations against living conditions at company hostels and the factory near Chennai is closed since December 18.

Apple said it is working with the supplier to rapidly implement 'a comprehensive set of corrective actions'.

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Foxconn has issued an apology and said that it is taking immediate steps to enhance the facilities and services provided at the remote hostels.

The factory employs some 17,000 people. It makes iPhones for the Indian market and for export, as well as other gadgets.

Foxconn said employees will continue to be paid while improvements are made and it is restructuring its local management team and management systems.