Supermarkets in several European countries have reportedly been targeted by suspected cyberattacks that raised the temperature of refrigeration units and spoiled food. The affected markets include Supervalu in Ireland, Sweden’s Axfood and ICA, and major retailers in Belgium, Luxembourg and Estonia.
The reported method appears similar to an attack that affected more than 400 French supermarkets in October 2026. In that incident, freezer temperatures were reportedly increased to as much as 120F (50C), resulting in food losses worth millions of euros.
The latest incidents appear to involve remote access to refrigeration-management systems, turning freezers into heaters. One affected retailer, ICA Kvantum Sjöbo, acknowledged the incident in a Facebook post, writing: “What shouldn't have happened has happened!”
The attacks follow a US military investigation into similar refrigeration problems at six bases. The incidents may be linked to weaknesses in remotely managed systems, including inadequate authentication and software vulnerabilities.
The French attack reportedly involved older freezer models whose security software could not be updated to address a known risk. The number of stores affected by the latest incidents has not yet been confirmed, although the report says it could eventually reach three figures.
The incidents highlight the risks created when large numbers of connected devices are managed remotely. European Food Commissioner Christophe Hansen said on X that food security requires greater attention, warning that the weaponisation of food has become a reality.
Sources: TechRadar.