Spring & Mulberry chocolate recall: Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened bars pulled nationwide over Salmonella concerns
Spring & Mulberry voluntarily recalled its Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened Chocolate Bar (lot #025255) nationwide on Jan. 12, 2026, after routine third‑party testing found possible Salmonella contamination; consumers are urged to avoid consuming the product and seek refunds.
Key takeaways
- Product affected: Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened Chocolate Bar, 2.1‑ounce (72% cacao), lot #025255.
- Distribution: Sold online (including Amazon) and at select specialty grocers nationwide beginning Sept. 15, 2025.
- Reason: Possible Salmonella detected during routine third‑party laboratory testing; no illnesses reported to date.
- Action: Voluntary recall issued Jan. 12, 2026; refunds offered for consumers who submit a photo of the lot code to the company.
Main content
What was recalled and how to identify it
The recall applies only to lot #025255 of the teal‑packaged Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened Chocolate Bar (2.1‑ounce, 72% cacao). The lot code 025255 appears on the outer box and the inner flow wrap. No other Spring & Mulberry products or lot numbers are included.
If you purchased this product, check packaging carefully for the lot code printed on the back of the box and on the inner wrap.
How the potential contamination was discovered
Spring & Mulberry said the potential for Salmonella was identified through routine testing by a third‑party laboratory. The company initiated a proactive, voluntary recall for the single affected lot as a precaution. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted the recall notice on Jan. 12, 2026.
Health risks from Salmonella
Symptoms can include fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Symptoms typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after exposure. Most healthy people recover within 4–7 days, but young children, older adults and immunocompromised people face higher risk of severe illness.
Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or prolonged, if fever exceeds 102°F, or if there are signs of dehydration or blood in the stool.
Note: To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with lot #025255.
Consumer steps and company refund process
Do not eat the recalled bar if it is from lot #025255. Consumers should dispose of the product and may request a refund by emailing Spring & Mulberry with a photo of the lot code. Send photos and refund requests to recalls@springandmulberry.com.
Retailers should remove the affected lot from shelves and distribution channels immediately.
Investigative context: oversight, testing and supply chain questions
The narrow scope of this recall suggests a single production batch was implicated. Key follow‑up questions for reporters and regulators include:
- Was the contamination linked to raw ingredients, processing equipment, or packaging?
- What food‑safety controls and environmental testing does Spring & Mulberry employ in its Raleigh facility?
- Has the company initiated corrective actions or expanded testing following the detection?
Spring & Mulberry has not provided further public comments beyond the recall announcement; regulators may provide updates as investigations proceed.
Broader regulatory backdrop
The FDA posts recalls, market withdrawals and safety alerts as public records. Voluntary recalls are common when testing indicates potential contamination. The FDA posting for this recall did not specify a recall class; consumers should monitor the FDA recall page for updates.
Implications — economic, political, social and cultural
Economic: Boutique and specialty food brands may face reputational and financial impacts, including testing costs, lost inventory and refund processing.
Political: Food‑safety incidents can prompt scrutiny of regulatory oversight and may influence calls for transparency and enforcement.
Social & cultural: Recalls tied to products marketed as “natural” or date‑sweetened can erode consumer trust and spark debate about safety standards for small‑batch producers.
Practical applications for consumers, retailers and health providers
- Consumers should check order histories and packaging to confirm lot codes and follow refund instructions for lot #025255.
- Retailers and marketplaces should verify and pull affected inventory.
- Health care providers should ask patients with gastrointestinal symptoms about recent specialty or online‑purchased foods.
Source links for further reading and verification
Reporting note: Times Media Service compiled this story from the FDA recall posting and reporting by national outlets. Spring & Mulberry’s recall announcement was posted Jan. 12, 2026; the company has not issued additional public comments beyond the recall notice.
