Apple puts Foxconn factory on probation after food-poisoning incident

 Foxconn also accepted that its dormitory facilities did not meet the required standards

Almost two weeks after a food-poisoning incident at Foxconn’s hostel in Sriperumbudur which led to hospitalizations, protests, and arrests, the company and its local officials were in the line of fire on Wednesday. While Apple said that it has put the Tamil Nadu unit, which manufactures iPhones, on “probation” because its hostels did not meet the American tech giant’s compliance norms, the Taiwanese multinational announced restructuring of the local management team.

Foxconn also accepted that its dormitory facilities did not meet the required standards. The food poisoning incident early this month had affected around 260 people and 159 were hospitalized. Following this, Apple had appointed an independent auditor to undertake additional detailed assessments.

“Foxconn’s Sriperu­mbudur facility has been placed on probation and we will ensure our strict standards are met before the facility reopens. We will continue to monitor conditions closely,” said an Apple spokesperson. Apple said it found the accommodation and dining facilities at the unit did not meet the compliance requirements.

“We hold our suppliers accountable to the highest standards in the industry and regularly conduct assessments to ensure compliance. We found that some of the remote dormitory accommodations and dining rooms being used for employees do not meet our requirements and we are working with the supplier to ensure a comprehensive set of corrective actions are rapidly implemented,” he added.

After Apple’s statement, Foxconn acted quickly. It first apologized to its employees and then announced to restructure its local management. The details of this top-level rejig were not revealed. “We are 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,” said a statement by Foxconn Technology Group. “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.”