The theft of 4.2 million credit card and debit card numbers from an East Coast supermarket chain puts it among the largest data breaches ever, according to an Associated Press story in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

The security breach at Hannaford Bros. and Sweetbay supermarkets took place during the card authorization process. The AP reports 1,800 cases of fraud have been linked to the breach.

Hannaford stores in New England and New York state were involved, as were Sweetbay stores in Florida, according to the Hannaford Web site. Some independent stores in the Northeast that carry Hannaford products were also affected.

InfoWorld notes Visa and MasterCard have contacted close to 70 Massachusetts banks about the incident, which occurred between December and March.

The TJX breach still holds the dubious title of largest ever, with at least 94 million credit card numbers stolen.