Spring & Mulberry has voluntarily recalled its Mint Leaf Date Sweetened Chocolate Bar nationwide after routine testing indicated a potential Salmonella contamination risk, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on January 12, 2026. The recall affects a specific production lot of the 2.1-ounce chocolate bar, which has been sold online and through select retailers across the U.S. since September 15, 2025. No illnesses have been reported so far, but health officials are urging consumers to check their pantries, dispose of the product if it matches the recalled lot, and request a refund from the company.
What Happened and Why
Spring & Mulberry recalled its Mint Leaf Date Sweetened Chocolate Bar (lot #025255) nationwide due to possible Salmonella contamination identified during third-party testing. The recall — published on January 12, 2026 — covers 2.1-ounce bars sold since September 2025. Consumers should not eat the product, even if it looks and smells normal, and should dispose of or return it for a refund.
Salmonella is a well-known foodborne pathogen linked to fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, and certain groups — including young children, elderly people, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals — are at heightened risk of serious infection.
What Is Recalled: Product Details & Identification
Affected Product
- Brand: Spring & Mulberry
- Product Name: Mint Leaf Date Sweetened Chocolate Bar (2.1 oz)
- Lot Code: #025255
- Packaging: Teal box with inner flow wrap listing the lot code
- Best-By Date: Typically marked on packaging (usually March 31, 2027)
- Distribution: Nationwide, sold online and through select retailers since September 15, 2025
Consumers are urged to locate the lot code on the back of the product or inner wrapper. The FDA’s official recall documents and alert pages show photos and additional identification details.
Why This Recall Matters: Salmonella Risk Explained
Salmonella bacteria don’t change the flavor, smell, or appearance of foods, meaning contaminated items can seem normal at first glance. According to the FDA recall notice:
- Symptoms can appear 12–72 hours after exposure, including:
- Fever
- Diarrhea (which may be bloody)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Complications can be severe in vulnerable populations: there’s a risk of the organism entering the bloodstream and causing conditions such as endocarditis, infected aneurysms, or arthritis in rare but serious cases.
Because of these risks — especially in children and immunocompromised individuals — authorities are treating the recall with caution despite no confirmed Salmonella illnesses linked to the product.
How the Issue Was Detected
Spring & Mulberry’s recall was initiated after routine third-party laboratory testing revealed the possibility of Salmonella contamination in lot #025255 of its Mint Leaf Date Sweetened Chocolate Bar. This proactive step is meant to protect consumers before any confirmed cases of foodborne illness emerge.
The company and the FDA emphasize that this action is voluntary and precautionary, aimed at public health protection based on laboratory findings rather than reported sickness.
Where and When the Recalled Chocolate Was Sold
The recalled bars were distributed nationwide since mid-September 2025 through a combination of:
- Spring & Mulberry’s official website and online store
- Select retail partners (including specialty markets and boutique health food outlets)
- E-commerce platforms that carry the brand’s products
Major retailers may not have carried the product in large grocery chains, but given its nationwide distribution, consumers across all 50 states should check their pantries.
What Consumers Should Do Now
If you have the recalled Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf Date Sweetened Chocolate Bar, the FDA and company instructions are clear:
Step 1: Do not consume the product.
Even if the chocolate looks fine, Salmonella cannot be detected by smell or taste.
Step 2: Check the lot code (#025255).
Find the lot code on the back of the teal packaging or inner flow wrap to confirm whether your product is part of the recall.
Step 3: Dispose of the chocolate safely.
Place it in the trash in a way that children or pets can’t access it.
Step 4: Request a refund.
Take a photo of the product and lot code, and email it to recalls@springandmulberry.com to receive your refund.
Consumers with questions can reach out to the company’s customer service for assistance.
No Reported Illnesses Yet — What to Watch For
At the time of the recall:
- No reported cases of Salmonella infection have been linked to this specific chocolate bar lot.
Still, because Salmonella infections often appear after 12–72 hours and can mimic other illnesses, the FDA encourages anyone who consumed the product and develops symptoms to seek medical attention and inform their healthcare provider about the potential exposure.
Industry Context: Why Recalls Happen
Food recalls — particularly for contamination risks like Salmonella — are a regular part of FDA’s oversight of the food supply. Firms like Spring & Mulberry are required under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to conduct timely recalls when testing or evidence suggests a safety concern. Recent agency postings show multiple recalls for potential foodborne pathogens and undeclared allergens — underscoring how proactive surveillance helps prevent consumer harm.
What This Means for Chocolate Lovers and Specialty Brands
This recall is notable because:
- Spring & Mulberry markets itself as a “natural” or “better-for-you” chocolate brand using date sweetening instead of refined sugar, positioning its products in the premium health food space.
- Salmonella contamination is unusual in chocolate, which is typically a low-moisture food less prone to bacterial growth — but contamination can still occur during production or ingredient handling.
Specialty and boutique food brands are increasingly subject to the same rigorous testing and recall requirements as mass-market manufacturers, reflecting consumers’ growing demand for transparency and safety.
Conclusion: Precaution, Safety, and Consumer Action
The Spring Mulberry chocolate recall of 2026 serves as an important reminder that even seemingly premium or “natural” foods can pose contamination risks. With potential Salmonella in the Mint Leaf Date Sweetened Chocolate Bar (lot #025255), authorities are urging consumers to stop consumption immediately, verify lot codes, and dispose of or return affected products.
Though no illnesses have been reported so far, Salmonella can cause serious symptoms — especially in vulnerable individuals — and prevention through prompt recall compliance is critical. By following the steps outlined and heeding FDA guidance, consumers can protect themselves and their families while supporting the integrity of the food supply.
