Refrigeration systems at a supermarket in Reisbach, in the Lower Bavarian district of Dingolfing-Landau, reportedly heated to 50 degrees, leaving much of the store’s chilled food unsafe to keep. The operator believes a cyberattack may have caused the incident, according to a post on the supermarket’s Facebook page. Police have not confirmed that explanation.
The operator said modern commercial refrigeration systems are commonly connected to the internet, allowing them to be monitored around the clock and enabling staff to be alerted when problems arise. Foodsharing collected items that could still be salvaged, but most of the refrigerated goods had to be discarded.
The Lower Bavaria Police Headquarters is investigating and, according to a spokesperson, will coordinate with authorities in other countries. Police have not yet provided further details or confirmed that a cyberattack triggered the incident, which reportedly occurred overnight into Monday.
The supermarket said its shelves were expected to be restocked with fresh goods on Tuesday. Similar attacks on supermarkets have previously been reported in France, Belgium, Sweden, Ireland, Luxembourg, Estonia, Finland and the Netherlands.
Sources: Der Spiegel.