SNOW TV NEWS DESK
France has accused Iran of orchestrating a major cyberattack that disrupted refrigeration systems in supermarkets, leading to the destruction of millions of euros worth of fresh and frozen food.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot made the accusation at a news conference, alleging that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was behind the operation. He described the incident as unprecedented in both its scale and level of aggression, warning that France would push for European-level sanctions against those responsible.
The attack, which reportedly took place on October 11, involved hackers gaining unauthorized access to software used to control refrigeration systems in supermarkets across France. By manipulating the temperature settings of refrigerators and freezers, the attackers allegedly caused stored food to spoil on a massive scale.
More than 100 Coopérative U supermarkets were reportedly affected, alongside approximately 180 outlets operated by Intermarché and its discount subsidiary, Netto. In some locations, refrigeration temperatures reportedly climbed as high as 50 degrees Celsius overnight, leaving large quantities of perishable goods unfit for consumption.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the vulnerability of everyday commercial infrastructure to cyber warfare. Unlike conventional cyberattacks targeting government databases or financial institutions, this operation allegedly struck systems responsible for preserving food supplies, demonstrating how digital intrusions can quickly translate into significant economic losses and disruptions to daily life.
Concerns have grown further following reports that dozens of supermarkets across seven other European countries experienced similar cyberattacks last week. However, authorities have yet to establish whether those incidents were connected to the attack in France or whether they were part of a wider coordinated operation.
Iran has not publicly responded to the French government’s allegations.
Meanwhile, the French judicial authorities are pursuing a separate investigation into individuals suspected of involvement in Iranian-linked cyber operations. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau announced on Monday that investigations had been opened into the head of an Iranian-linked cyber unit, known as Shahid Kaveh, and two of his deputies.
According to Beccuau, the group is affiliated with the electronic and cyber center of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The accusations mark another escalation in tensions between France and Iran, particularly over alleged cyber activities targeting European interests.
Beyond the diplomatic implications, the incident highlights a growing security challenge for European countries: critical systems do not have to be connected to military or government operations to become weapons in a cyber conflict. Supermarkets, food distribution networks, and other essential businesses are increasingly exposed to attacks capable of disrupting supply chains, destroying valuable goods, and affecting ordinary citizens.
If the allegations are established, the attack could become a significant example of how cyber warfare is expanding beyond the digital world into the infrastructure that supports everyday life.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
