A cyberattack disrupted refrigeration systems at French supermarkets overnight on October 11–12, 2026. Reporting linked the disruption to forced defrost activated remotely. RFI reported the mechanism, while Les Mousquetaires said affected equipment reached up to 50 °C for six hours and that food was discarded to avoid health risks. Antena 3 reported the retailer’s account.
The attack disrupted refrigeration and led to food losses
Les Mousquetaires initially reported about 150 affected Intermarché stores. Coopérative U president Dominique Schelcher also confirmed an attack on refrigeration installations in the group’s network and said teams were working with refrigeration technicians. NeoTeo previously covered Coopérative U’s confirmation of the attack.
Industrial controls can have physical consequences
Antoine Hautin, secretary-general of cybersecurity consultancy Almond, told La Vanguardia that industrial systems historically prioritized reliability and cost control over protection from cyberattacks. In refrigeration, those systems help preserve food; when their operation is disrupted, the consequences can reach store inventory, as the reported disposal of affected food illustrates. La Vanguardia reported Hautin’s explanation.
Intermarché’s insurance statement
La Vanguardia also reported that Intermarché said its insurance did not cover this type of incident in its stores.
