Nationwide recall of Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf chocolate bars after routine testing finds possible Salmonella contamination
Raleigh, NC-based Spring & Mulberry voluntarily recalled a single lot of its Mint Leaf Date-Sweetened Chocolate Bar on Jan. 12, 2026, after third-party testing flagged possible Salmonella contamination; no illnesses reported to date. Consumers should discard and request refunds.
Key takeaways
- Product involved: Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf Date-Sweetened Chocolate Bar (72% cacao), 2.1-ounce, teal packaging, lot #025255 (printed on back of box and inner flow wrap).
- Action: Voluntary nationwide recall announced Jan. 12, 2026; consumers should not eat the product, discard it, and request refunds via recalls@springandmulberry.com with a photo of the lot code.
- Reason: Possible Salmonella contamination flagged by routine third-party laboratory testing; no illnesses reported so far.
- Where sold: Distributed nationwide online (including Amazon) and at select retailers since Sept. 15, 2025.
Main story
Recall details and timeline
On Jan. 12, 2026, Spring & Mulberry — a small confectionery company based in Raleigh, North Carolina — issued a voluntary recall covering only lot #025255 of its 2.1-ounce Mint Leaf Date-Sweetened Chocolate Bar. The lot was flagged after a routine third-party laboratory test indicated possible Salmonella contamination. The company described the action as proactive and limited to the identified lot.
The FDA recall notice provides official product details and guidance for consumers and retailers; see the FDA recall notice for updates.
“The recall is being done proactively to protect public health,” company officials said while noting no illnesses have been reported.
Distribution and exposure assessment
The affected teal-packaged bars were distributed nationwide, including sales on Amazon and through select retail partners, and have been on sale since Sept. 15, 2025. Because the recall is limited to a single lot, exposure is narrowed — but broad online and retail distribution increases the pool of potentially affected consumers. The lot number appears on the back of the box and the inner flow wrap; consumers who find lot #025255 should stop eating the product immediately and follow refund instructions.
Why the recall matters: Salmonella risks and symptoms
Salmonella is a bacterial pathogen that can cause serious illness, especially in young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems. Typical symptoms include fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Symptoms usually appear within six hours to six days after exposure; most healthy people recover in four to seven days, but invasive infection can be life‑threatening.
Medical guidance
Health officials advise anyone who ate the recalled product and feels ill to seek medical attention. Seek urgent care for prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, signs of severe dehydration, fever at or above 102°F, or bloody stools. Those who are unsure about exposure should monitor themselves for up to a week and contact a healthcare provider if symptoms appear.
Company and regulator response
Spring & Mulberry characterized the recall as voluntary and precautionary, prompted by routine third-party testing rather than consumer illness reports. The company has provided an email for refund requests — recalls@springandmulberry.com — and asked claimants to attach a photo of the lot code. At press time, company officials had not provided additional details about the contamination source or wider testing plans.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is tracking the recall and posted the official notice; the FDA often works with companies and retailers to remove affected product and trace distribution back to the source.
Context: broader FDA actions and food safety practice
This recall follows other recent FDA food-safety actions — for example, recalls for cheese with Listeria and tater tots for possible plastic contamination — underscoring the agency’s role in monitoring products and the value of routine third-party testing in catching hazards before widespread illness occurs.
Investigative questions that remain
- Where in the production chain did the possible contamination occur?
- Has Spring & Mulberry expanded testing beyond lot #025255 to ensure other lots are unaffected?
- How complete is the product pull from distributors and retail shelves?
Consumer steps and tips
- Check your pantry: look for the teal-packaged Mint Leaf Date-Sweetened Chocolate Bar and verify the lot number printed on the back of the box and the inner flow wrap. Do not eat product from lot #025255.
- To request a refund, email recalls@springandmulberry.com with a photo of the lot code.
- If you or a family member develop symptoms consistent with Salmonella, contact your healthcare provider and report the illness to local health authorities.
Implications for the United States
Economic impact: Though the recall is limited to a single lot, it illustrates how quickly consumer confidence can shift for specialty food brands. Small producers may face testing, disposal and communications costs, while retailers could tighten supplier checks.
Political and regulatory consequence: The recall highlights the interplay between private responsibility and regulatory oversight: companies should maintain robust safety systems, and the FDA’s public recall postings provide consumer transparency. The episode may prompt state and federal review of routine testing practices and guidance for small producers.
Social and cultural effects: With no reported illnesses so far, immediate public‑health risk appears limited, but the recall is a reminder that foodborne illness can come from unexpected sources and may change consumer behavior toward larger brands or stricter sourcing verification.
For more information
Sources and reporting
Reporting and official notices cited above include the FDA recall notice, coverage from Fox Business, ABC News, AARP, and Consumer Reports.
If you need to contact the company about the recall, email recalls@springandmulberry.com.
