According to reports, around 40 supermarket branches in Belgium and Luxembourg were affected, while stores in Sweden, Ireland, the Netherlands, Finland and Estonia also experienced disruptions.
The attacks reportedly interfered with refrigeration systems, causing them to switch into defrost mode, a function normally used to melt ice inside cooling units.
The prolonged operation of this mode caused temperatures to rise inside refrigerators and freezers, potentially putting perishable food items at risk.
In some affected stores, temperatures reportedly reached 50 degrees Celsius, raising concerns about food spoilage and the safety of products such as meat, dairy and frozen goods.
The incident was confirmed as a cyberattack by Stephen, the chief executive of Belgian company Subcool, according to reports.
The company is working to disconnect affected refrigeration units from the network to prevent further disruption.
The incident follows a similar cyberattack in France last month, prompting companies to strengthen security measures for their refrigeration systems.
However, reports indicate that software updates alone have not been sufficient in some cases, with hardware modifications also required to improve security.
Cybersecurity agencies in Belgium and Sweden are monitoring the latest incident, while the UK's National Cyber Security Centre is working with international agencies on the investigation.
The attacks highlight the growing risks associated with internet-connected infrastructure, as cyber threats increasingly extend beyond computers and mobile phones to systems used in everyday commercial operations.
Supermarket refrigeration systems, which are essential for maintaining food safety and preserving perishable goods, have become another potential target as businesses connect their equipment to digital networks.
