Nationwide recall of Spring & Mulberry chocolate bars after routine testing raises Salmonella concerns
Spring & Mulberry initiated a voluntary nationwide recall on January 12, 2026, for lot #025255 of its 2.1-ounce Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened Chocolate Bar after routine third‑party testing flagged possible Salmonella contamination; no illnesses have been reported.
Key takeaways
- Product recalled: 2.1‑ounce Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened Chocolate Bar (72% cacao) in teal packaging, lot #025255.
- Scope: Voluntary nationwide recall announced Jan. 12, 2026; sold online (including Amazon) and at select retailers since Sept. 15, 2025.
- Reason: Possible Salmonella contamination discovered during routine third‑party lab testing; recall is preventive and limited to one lot.
- Consumer action: Do not eat the product; dispose of affected bars and email recalls@springandmulberry.com with a photo of the lot code for a refund.
What led to the recall
Spring & Mulberry said the recall was a proactive measure after a third‑party laboratory’s routine test flagged a potential Salmonella concern in a single production lot. The company and the FDA posted a public notice to protect consumers and provide guidance.
See the FDA recall notice for the official posting; national media coverage provides additional consumer details from reporting outlets such as Fox Business and ABC News.
Product details and identification
The recall applies only to the Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened Chocolate Bar (72% cacao), 2.1 ounces, sold in teal packaging. Consumers should check the back of the box and the inner flow wrap for lot #025255.
The company reiterates that no other products or lots are affected. Retail and online distribution included the company website, third‑party marketplaces, and select brick‑and‑mortar stores since Sept. 15, 2025.
Health risks and Salmonella contamination symptoms
Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause foodborne illness. Symptoms typically appear within 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and can include fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
Most healthy people recover in four to seven days without treatment, but young children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness.
In rare cases the infection can spread beyond the intestines and lead to more serious conditions. Seek urgent medical care for high fever above 102°F, signs of dehydration, blood in the stool, or prolonged severe symptoms. Public guidance on suspected infection recommends contacting your healthcare provider and referencing the potential exposure.
What consumers should do now
- Do not eat any bar from lot #025255. Dispose of affected product or follow company return instructions.
- Request a refund: Photograph the lot code and email it to recalls@springandmulberry.com to request a refund, per the company notice and media reports.
- Monitor health: Watch for Salmonella symptoms for up to a week after potential exposure and contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop.
- Report illness: If you believe you became ill after eating the recalled bar, inform your healthcare provider and public health authorities as appropriate.
Regulatory and industry response
The recall is described as voluntary and preventive and is posted on the FDA’s recall page. The official notice lists the recalled lot number and consumer guidance; Spring & Mulberry’s public communication has been limited to the recall announcement.
The recall followed private third‑party testing rather than a reported outbreak, illustrating how company testing protocols and voluntary action can limit risk while involving regulatory oversight. For the official regulatory posting, see the FDA recall notice.
Implications for the United States
Economic impact: Because the recall is limited to a single lot with no reported illnesses, broader market disruption is unlikely; however, small businesses bear direct costs for refunds, retrieval, extra testing, and lost sales.
Political and social effects: The incident highlights routine testing and private vigilance. Some observers note that voluntary company action, supported by FDA oversight, can be an effective targeted response that mitigates risk without large‑scale regulatory intervention.
Practical applications for everyday life
Check pantries and orders for teal‑packaged Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened Chocolate Bars and verify the lot code on both the box and inner flow wrap. Do not give suspect bars to children, seniors, pregnant people, or anyone with a weakened immune system.
Follow the company’s refund process by emailing a photo of the lot code to recalls@springandmulberry.com and dispose of any affected product to prevent accidental consumption.
Sources and reporting
If you suspect illness: Contact your healthcare provider, mention possible Salmonella exposure, and seek urgent care for severe symptoms. For refund questions, email recalls@springandmulberry.com with a photo of the lot code.
