Natural Grocers Investigates Data Breach

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage has launched an investigation into a potential data security breach targeting the grocer's credit card readers.

The retailer has partnered with third-party data security experts to examine what it calls an "unauthorized intrusion targeting limited customer payment card data." The grocer said the incident was contained and that law enforcement is investigating the matter.

The Lakewood, Colo.-based company said it had received no reports of fraudulent use of payment card data from any customer, credit card brand or financial institution, and that there is no evidence that PIN numbers or card verification codes were accessed.

"No personally identifiable information, such as names, addresses or Social Security numbers, was involved, as the company does not collect that data as part of its payment processing system," the grocer said in a statement.

Natural Grocers said it has accelerated its plan to upgrade its stores' point-of-sale with a new PCI-compliant system that includes point-to-point encryption and new pin pads that accept “chip and PIN” cards.

The company said it would provide updates as more information becomes available.