Spring & Mulberry chocolate recall: Mint Leaf Chocolate Bar pulled nationwide over Salmonella concerns
Spring & Mulberry announced a voluntary nationwide recall on Jan. 12, 2026, for lot #025255 of its 2.1-ounce Mint Leaf Date-Sweetened Chocolate Bar after third-party testing indicated possible Salmonella contamination; consumers are urged to dispose of affected bars.
- Product: Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf Date-Sweetened Chocolate Bar (72% cacao), 2.1-ounce size
- Affected lot: Lot No. 025255 (printed on the back of the box and the inner flow wrap)
- Where sold: Bars in the affected lot were sold nationwide online (including Amazon) and at select retailers beginning Sept. 15, 2025 — see coverage from Fox Business and ABC News
- Consumer action: Do not eat bars from lot #025255; dispose immediately and request a refund by emailing recalls@springandmulberry.com with a photo of the lot code.
What happened
Spring & Mulberry, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, initiated a voluntary recall after a third-party laboratory reported a possible detection of Salmonella in a specific production lot. The company posted the notice and related guidance on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recall page on Jan. 12, 2026.
“The recall was proactive and intended to protect public health,” company officials said while cooperating with authorities; the company has not provided further comment to media as of publication.
Where the bars were sold and how to identify them
The affected 2.1-ounce bars come in a teal box and were sold nationwide online — including via Amazon — and at select retailers starting Sept. 15, 2025. Consumers should inspect the lot code printed on the back of the box or on the inner flow wrap. The recall applies only to lot #025255; other Spring & Mulberry products and lots are not affected, per company and FDA statements.
Health risks and what to watch for
Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious foodborne illness. Symptoms typically appear between six hours and six days after exposure and often include fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Most healthy people recover in four to seven days, but young children, older adults and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk for severe illness requiring hospitalization. In rare cases, Salmonella can invade the bloodstream and lead to more severe conditions such as arterial infections, endocarditis or arthritis.
Note: No illnesses linked to this product had been reported as of the recall notice; public-health officials still urge anyone who consumed a bar from lot #025255 and develops symptoms to seek medical care and inform their provider about possible Salmonella exposure. See Consumer Reports and other coverage for context on symptoms and risks: Consumer Reports.
What consumers should do now
- Do not eat any bars from lot #025255. Dispose of them in a sealed bag or package so children, pets and wildlife cannot access them.
- Request a refund by emailing recalls@springandmulberry.com and include a clear photo of the lot code as instructed in the recall notice (see ABC News and AARP coverage for guidance).
- Seek medical care if you become ill after consuming the product, and report suspected foodborne illness to your local health department to assist outbreak tracking.
Investigative notes: testing, traceability and timing
The recall was triggered by routine testing at a third-party lab rather than by consumer illness reports, showing how testing and supply-chain checks can catch potential contamination early. Investigators will ask: how many bars remain in circulation, where did contamination occur, and at what point in production or storage did it happen? Spring & Mulberry has stated the recall is limited to a single lot but has not released details about the test or contamination source. For reporting and coverage context, see Fox Business and the FDA recall notice.
Implications for the Inland Empire
Public health: Residents of Riverside and San Bernardino counties should check pantries for the teal-packaged bar and lot #025255. Even with no national illnesses reported, local health officials rely on residents to report symptoms to detect clusters early.
Retail impact: Small grocers, co-ops and health-food stores carrying specialty or online-sourced bars should check inventory and remove any affected lot immediately. Prompt action helps maintain customer trust and limit liability.
Schools & community groups: Verify donations, event snacks and pantry items do not include impacted bars before serving — inform volunteers and families to check for the lot number.
Practical steps for Inland Empire residents
- Check pantry items and online order histories for the teal-packaged Mint Leaf Chocolate Bar and lot #025255.
- Dispose of affected bars in sealed bags and email recalls@springandmulberry.com with a photo of the lot code to request a refund.
- If you or a household member becomes ill after consuming the product, contact a health care provider and report the illness to your county health department to assist public-health tracing efforts.
Sources and where to read more
- FDA recall notice: Spring & Mulberry voluntary recall for Mint Leaf Date-Sweetened Chocolate Bar, lot #025255 (Jan. 12, 2026)
- Fox Business coverage: Chocolate bars pulled from shelves nationwide over Salmonella concerns
- ABC News coverage: Chocolate bars voluntarily recalled over Salmonella contamination
- Consumer Reports: Spring & Mulberry chocolate bar recall for Salmonella risk
- AARP: Chocolate bar Salmonella recall (January 2026)
