Cyberattack Disrupts Refrigeration in Hundreds of French Supermarkets, Causing Major Food Losses

In the early hours of October 12, 2026, a large-scale cyberattack targeted refrigeration systems in several hundred French supermarkets, predominantly affecting Intermarché and Coopérative U stores. The hackers remotely activated forced defrosting processes, causing refrigeration temperatures to spike dramatically and leading to widespread spoilage of fresh and frozen food products.

According to reports, 150 to 200 Intermarché locations and around 100 Coopérative U stores were impacted. There are also unconfirmed indications that some Leclerc outlets and possibly Carrefour Market and Monoprix stores experienced disruptions. Intermarché confirmed that all affected products must be discarded, though financial losses have not yet been fully quantified. Estimates suggest that the total financial damage nationwide could reach several million euros.

Dominique Schelcher, CEO of Coopérative U, condemned the attack as "unacceptable," emphasizing the severe consequences for food conservation and supply chains in France. The cyberattack exploited vulnerabilities in refrigeration control systems produced by Danfoss—widely used in French supermarkets—highlighting alarming weaknesses in critical food infrastructure security.

The Paris prosecutor's office has opened an investigation to determine the full extent of the damage and identify all victims, while the Ministry of Commerce maintains active communication with the distributors involved. This unprecedented incident raises urgent concerns about cybersecurity within essential logistical and food preservation systems in France.

As investigations continue, supermarket chains face significant financial impacts and operational challenges to restore safe and reliable refrigeration to protect perishable goods and maintain consumer confidence.