CUPERTINO, CA -- Apple Computer has launched an audit of the plant that builds its iPods in response to published reports of the factory's poor working conditions.

The plant is located in Longhua, China and is owned by Foxconn, the world's largest EMS company.

Circuits Assembly reported on the problems last week.

"Apple has begun a thorough audit of the manufacturing plant operated by Foxconn in Longhua, China," said Apple spokesman Steve Dowling. The audit will look at "employee working and living conditions, interviews of employees and managers, compliance with overtime and wage regulations, and other areas as necessary to ensure adherence to Apple's supplier code of conduct."

Apple has sold more than 50 million iPods and the music players makes up for amost half of Apple's revenue.

The reports claimed the Foxconn site pays low wages and subjects workers to poor working conditions, including mandatory overtime and up to 15-hour workdays. Foxconn denies any wrongdoing.