Fresh Probe Hits Tata’s India iPhone Factory After Farmer Health Complaints

Tata’s iPhone component factory in Hosur, India, is facing fresh scrutiny after local health officials continued investigating complaints from nearby farmers over alleged wastewater contamination.



Reuters reports that the district health team has been checking claims since late May, even after Tata said recent water samples taken inside its factory showed no contamination and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board dropped further action.



Farmers Raise Health And Water Concerns



The investigation focuses on whether liquid discharge from the plant affected nearby agricultural land and wells, with some farmers reporting skin problems that they believe came from contaminated water on their farms.



Reuters says a government medical officer has stated that no such health cases have been clinically confirmed so far, but a health inspection letter mentioned foul smell, unsafe water for animals, and possible contamination in nearby wells.



The report also says two water samples collected from farms tested positive for E. coli, a bacterium linked to sewage and faecal contamination.



The Tata factory opened in 2021 and makes iPhone back covers and other parts, making the case important for Apple’s growing supply chain in India.



Reuters also reported a tense incident involving a farmers’ group member, Tata security staff, and a firearm retrieved from a vehicle during a dispute over photos near the factory.



Apple and Tata did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment on the new investigation.