Cyberattack Heats French Supermarket Fridges to 50°C, Spoiling Food

A major cyberattack targeted refrigeration systems at hundreds of supermarkets across France on October 11–12, 2026, causing refrigerators and freezers to heat up to 50°C (122°F). The incident resulted in widespread food spoilage, financial losses and reported fires at several locations. France’s Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that the attack affected connected refrigeration equipment at major food retailers across the country.

Several leading supermarket chains, including Intermarché, Carrefour, Coopérative U, Monoprix and E.Leclerc, reported disruptions. Intermarché’s parent company said approximately 150 of its stores were affected, with refrigeration units reaching 50°C for around six hours.

The company discarded food from affected units to prevent potential health risks. Carrefour also reported disruptions at around 80 stores, while other retailers reported problems across their networks.

Initial reports indicate that the attackers interfered with connected refrigeration controllers, forcing equipment into defrost cycles and preventing it from maintaining safe temperatures. Investigations have focused on systems supplied by Danish refrigeration technology company Danfoss, including equipment running outdated software or firmware. However, the precise method used in the attack and the identity of those responsible have not been conclusively established.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu instructed the country’s National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) to investigate the incident. Authorities are also coordinating with European counterparts to determine whether businesses in other countries have been affected. The attack has highlighted the risks posed by insecure internet-connected industrial equipment, demonstrating how cyberattacks can disrupt physical operations, destroy food supplies and cause substantial financial damage without directly targeting conventional computer systems.