A major cyberattack targeting supermarket refrigeration systems across France has caused widespread food spoilage, with losses potentially running into millions of euros, according to the BBC.

Hackers reportedly gained control of software regulating refrigeration temperatures, causing refrigerators and freezers to heat up to as much as 50°C overnight.

Around 400 supermarkets were affected, including outlets operated by major French retailers Carrefour, Intermarché, Netto, Monoprix, and Coopérative U.

Intermarché reported that some of its refrigeration units remained at temperatures of up to 50°C for approximately six hours, forcing the company to discard affected fresh and frozen products due to food safety concerns.

The attack targeted refrigeration management software supplied by Danish engineering company Danfoss, which enables supermarkets to monitor and remotely regulate their cooling systems.

Danfoss said the affected equipment consisted of older models whose security software could no longer be updated to address known vulnerabilities.

Several supermarkets reported substantial financial losses, with just two stores in the Alsace region suffering an estimated €270,000 in damage.

Although the full extent of the losses has yet to be determined, the nationwide financial impact could reach millions of euros.

Some supermarkets also reported small fires, while employees arriving for work discovered unusually high temperatures around refrigeration equipment.

French prosecutors have launched a cybercrime investigation into the incident, which has affected several major food retail chains.

European Food Commissioner Christophe Hansen condemned the attack, warning that food security required greater attention as the weaponisation of food had become a reality.

Meanwhile, supermarket operators have begun working with refrigeration specialists to restore affected systems and replace spoiled products.

The incident has renewed concerns over cybersecurity vulnerabilities in essential infrastructure, particularly internet-connected systems used in food storage and distribution.