Nationwide recall of Spring & Mulberry chocolate bars over Salmonella concerns; lot sold online and in stores since Sept. 2025
Spring & Mulberry issued a voluntary nationwide recall on Jan. 12, 2026, for its Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened Chocolate Bars (lot No. 025255) after third‑party testing found possible Salmonella contamination; no illnesses have been reported to date.
- Product recalled: Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened Chocolate Bar (72% cacao), 2.1‑ounce, teal packaging — Lot No. 025255, sold since Sept. 15, 2025.
- Risk: Possible Salmonella contamination identified during routine third‑party lab testing; recall is voluntary and limited to the single lot.
- Action for consumers: Do not eat the product; dispose of it securely or email recalls@springandmulberry.com with a photo of the lot code for refund instructions.
- More info: See the FDA recall notice and national reporting.
Key information
Product details: Spring & Mulberry’s voluntary recall covers lot No. 025255 of the company’s 2.1‑ounce Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened Chocolate Bars (72% cacao). The bars are packaged in teal boxes and inner flow wrap; the lot code is printed on both the back of the box and the inner flow wrap.
Where sold: Online (including Amazon) and at select U.S. retailers beginning Sept. 15, 2025. Retailers and online sellers are asked to remove the affected lot from inventory and notify customers when possible.
Why recalled: Possible Salmonella contamination discovered during routine testing by a third‑party lab. Spring & Mulberry is voluntarily recalling the specific lot to protect public health; no other products or lots are reported to be affected.
Sources: FDA recall notice, ABC News, Fox Business, Consumer Reports, AARP.
How the potential contamination was found
The possible Salmonella contamination was identified after routine screening by an independent third‑party laboratory. Upon receiving the lab findings, Spring & Mulberry worked with regulators and chose a targeted voluntary recall of the single lot flagged by testing. The company reports no other lots or products are impacted.
Health risks from Salmonella contamination
Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause foodborne illness. Symptoms often include fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, typically appearing 6 hours to 6 days after exposure. Most healthy people recover within four to seven days, but infection can be severe or life‑threatening for:
- Young children
- Older adults
- Pregnant people
- Frail individuals and those with weakened immune systems
Severe complications can include bloodstream infections and organ involvement. Seek medical care for prolonged symptoms, severe dehydration, high fever (102°F or higher), or bloody stools.
What consumers should do now
- Check packaging: Look for teal packaging and Lot No. 025255 on the back of the box or the inner flow wrap.
- Do not eat it: If you have the recalled bar, do not consume it. Dispose of it in a secure trash container or follow refund instructions from the company.
- Refunds: Email recalls@springandmulberry.com with a photo of the lot code and keep your receipt or order confirmation if possible.
- Health concerns: If you develop symptoms after consuming the product, contact your health care provider and report the illness to your local or state health department.
“Do not eat the product. Dispose of it immediately or follow refund instructions from the company.”
Company response and media outreach
Spring & Mulberry posted the voluntary recall to the FDA and notified retailers. As of this writing the company has not issued additional public comment beyond the FDA notice; national outlets report the company is pulling the affected lot to protect public health but has not responded to further media inquiries.
Wider context: food‑safety alerts and the supply chain
This recall is one of several recent food‑safety alerts. Industry groups emphasize that routine testing and supply‑chain vigilance can intercept contamination before widespread illness. Regulatory postings — like the FDA recall notice — help retailers and consumers identify affected lots quickly and limit exposure.
Investigative notes on traceability and testing
- Third‑party testing: Many small and mid‑size specialty food makers use independent labs for periodic pathogen screening; a flagged result prompts confirmatory tests and coordination with regulators.
- Lot‑level labeling: Clear lot codes on packaging and inner wraps are critical for rapid identification and removal of affected items.
- Online marketplaces: Purchases through third‑party sellers or subscription services should be checked against lot numbers and order receipts.
Implications for Sonoma, California
Economic and retail impact
Specialty shops and natural‑food retailers in Sonoma County that stock artisanal chocolates should check inventory for teal‑packaged Spring & Mulberry bars and remove lot No. 025255 immediately if present. Retailers who sold the product online should notify affected customers.
Public health and vulnerable populations
Sonoma’s older adults and families with young children face higher risk from Salmonella. Local health clinics and the county public health department should be prepared to advise residents on testing and care; clinicians should ask about recent purchases when patients present compatible symptoms.
Consumer confidence and local producers
Even when the recall involves an out‑of‑area producer, local retailers can rebuild confidence by sharing recall details, showing inventory checks, and explaining disposal or refund procedures to customers.
Reporting and follow‑up
The recall remains under FDA monitoring. Consumers with questions can view the agency’s recall posting and contact Spring & Mulberry at the recall email address. National outlets and consumer groups are tracking developments; regulatory portals and news outlets will update notices if the company provides additional information.
Sources and further reading
Report prepared for Times Media Service; reporting includes the FDA notice and national coverage.
