Supermarkets have to throw away large quantities of food after a cyberattack on refrigeration systems, but is that really necessary?

Microbiologist Frank Devlieghere argues that current regulations on discarding thawed or inadequately cooled food are too strict. Following a cyberattack on supermarket cooling systems, large amounts of food are being discarded unnecessarily. The law mandates that frozen products must remain below -18 degrees Celsius, with a temporary allowance up to -15 degrees. Devlieghere believes food is only unsafe when temperatures exceed 0 degrees, suggesting that risk assessments should be conducted before discarding food. He emphasizes the need to reduce food waste and advocates for a reevaluation of these regulations. At home, he advises that partially thawed products can be refrozen, while caution is needed with refrigerated items that exceed safe temperatures.