Major French grocery chains hit by cyberattack

Major French supermarket chains were hit by a cyberattack Monday targeting refrigeration control systems made by a Danish manufacturer, according to broadcaster BFMTV.

Around 300 Intermarche and Netto stores, as well as fewer than 100 U stores, were affected by the attack.

Hackers reportedly altered installation temperatures remotely, destroying stocks of fresh and frozen products.

In Alsace, two Intermarche and Super U supermarkets alone reported losses of €270,000 ($301,000). Nationwide, the total cost is expected to reach several million euros.

The head of Cooperative U also confirmed the attack on US social media company X.

Dominique Schelcher said their teams were fully mobilized to restore operations, while stressing the need for an investigation.

“Targeting equipment essential to the preservation of fresh products and to the food supply of the French people is of extreme gravity and is unprecedented. It is unacceptable,” he said.