The Apple-ordered inspection of its supplier factories, including Foxconn facilities in China, is already under way by the independent group the Free Labor Association.

While it's too early for any concrete results, Reuters spoke to the Auret van Heerden, president of the FLA, about what he's seen so far.

After his initial visits van Heerden told Reuters:

"The facilities are first-class; the physical conditions are way, way above average of the norm."

However, he was comparing Foxconn's conditions to those in the high-pressure garment industry overseas. There's nothing in the interview about the specific recent reports of underage workers, dangerous conditions, etc. by the New York Times and NPR.

Read more from the interview on Reuters

Please follow SAI on Twitter and Facebook.

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• Apple Orders Investigators To Check Out Labor Conditions In Foxconn
• Apple's Stock Surges Past $500
• THE APPLE INVESTOR: How Much Is Apple Worth?