Millions of euros' worth of food was spoiled in France after a cyber attack caused supermarket fridges and freezers to heat up.
According to France 24, hackers took control of the software that regulates refrigeration unit temperatures at hundreds of supermarkets from Sunday to Monday.
Some warmed up to 50C in what the Paris prosecutor's office called a "large-scale" attack.
Dominique Schelcher, chief executive of the Coopérative U chain, which had 100 stores hit, said the attack was "unprecedented".
"Targeting equipment essential to the preservation of fresh products and to the food supply of the French people is extremely serious and is unprecedented. It is unacceptable."
Intermarché, another of France's major supermarket chains, reported that up to 200 stores had been affected.
Some retailers were forced to throw out all fresh or frozen products.
French broadcaster BFMTV reported that two supermarkets in the Alsace region experienced losses of €270,000 (NZ$539,000).
The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed that it had lauched an investigation into the hack.
It wanted to "identify the victims and establish the link with the damage they reported in terms of foodstuff losses and the outbreak of fires".
European Food Commissioner Christophe Hansen condemned the attack.
"Food security requires more attention at all levels. Because the weaponisation of food has become a reality."
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including why Auckland Transport might owe you money, and how a cyber attack shut down hundreds of supermarket fridges. (Source: Breakfast)
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