Spring & Mulberry Chocolate Bar Recall: Salmonella Risk

Nationwide recall announced after potential salmonella found in Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened Chocolate Bars

Spring & Mulberry has voluntarily recalled its Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened Chocolate Bars (lot #025255) nationwide after routine third‑party testing detected possible salmonella; announced Jan. 12, 2026, the recall covers bars sold since Sept. 15, 2025.

Product details

Spring & Mulberry, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, is recalling one lot of its Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened Chocolate Bar after a third‑party laboratory detected a potential salmonella contamination during routine testing. The recall applies to the 2.1‑ounce bars packaged in a teal‑colored box and bearing lot number 025255 on the back of the package and on the inner flow wrap. The product is labeled as 72% cacao and sold under the Spring & Mulberry brand. Refer to the FDA recall notice for the official posting and product images.

Distribution and timeline

The affected lot (#025255) was distributed nationwide through online retailers and select specialty grocers beginning Sept. 15, 2025. Spring & Mulberry voluntarily pulled the lot after receiving routine testing results from an external lab and publicly announced the recall on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026.

There are no reported illnesses linked to this product as of the announcement. Consumers who purchased the bars during the stated timeframe should check their packages for the lot code before consuming. Coverage of the recall is available from outlets such as ABC News and Fox Business.

Contamination discovery and company response

“The possible contamination was uncovered through routine third‑party testing,” the company said, and it has acted proactively by recalling only the specific lot where the risk was detected.

Spring & Mulberry’s decision to voluntarily recall a single lot is a standard step to limit consumer exposure while the company investigates and cooperates with regulators. The FDA is monitoring the situation and has posted the recall notice publicly.

Health risks linked to salmonella

Salmonella is a bacterial cause of foodborne illness. Symptoms often include fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Symptoms typically appear between 6 hours and 6 days after exposure; most healthy people recover within 4–7 days without treatment.

• People at higher risk: young children, older adults, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems.
• Possible serious complications: bacterial spread beyond the intestines can cause bloodstream infections, endocarditis, or joint infections in rare cases.
• Read more on risks and symptoms in the Consumer Reports summary.

What consumers should do now

Do not eat Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened Chocolate Bars from lot #025255. Check the back of the teal box or the inner flow wrap for the lot code before consuming. If the lot code matches, dispose of the product in a sealed bag or follow retailer instructions for returns.

To request a refund, contact Spring & Mulberry at recalls@springandmulberry.com and include a clear photo of the lot code. Retailers that received the recalled lot have been asked to remove it from shelves and inventory. See coverage from ABC News and Fox Business for additional reporting.

When to seek medical attention

Seek medical care promptly if you or a household member develop severe symptoms after potential exposure. Seek immediate care for:

• Diarrhea or vomiting lasting more than a few days.
• Signs of severe dehydration: very little or dark urine, extreme thirst, dry mouth, dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Fever of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher, or blood in the stool.

If you are elderly, very young, pregnant or immunocompromised, contact a health care provider even for milder symptoms. In rare cases, salmonella infections can become systemic and require hospitalization.

Investigative context: what rural communities should watch for

Food recalls may affect rural areas differently. Local feed stores, small grocers and clinics may remove recalled items more slowly than major chains. Because rural residents often shop at specialty stores or online — both distribution channels for this product — recall notices can reach them later. Rural counties commonly have older populations and longer distances to clinics, so rapid awareness is especially important.

Local public health departments, pharmacies, churches and community centers are crucial partners for spreading recall information quickly in smaller communities.

Implications for the United States

Economic: For a small company like Spring & Mulberry, a nationwide voluntary recall can be costly — product removal, refunds, testing, sanitation and possible downtime affect both the producer and independent retailers that carried the product.

Regulatory and political: This incident highlights routine testing and oversight: third‑party testing prompted the recall and the FDA posted the public notice. The episode may spark discussion about testing frequency and support for small food producers.

Social and public health: Timely alerts are critical in rural areas where older populations and longer travel times to care increase vulnerability. Outreach to senior centers, assisted living facilities and homebound residents is recommended to reduce health risks.

Cultural: Many rural consumers favor local brands; Spring & Mulberry’s transparent, voluntary recall and clear refund instructions can help preserve trust if the company communicates corrective steps visibly and promptly.

Practical steps for households and local businesses

• Check pantries and drawers for Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened Chocolate Bars; inspect both the back of the teal box and the inner flow wrap for lot #025255.
• Do not eat bars from the recalled lot. Dispose of them safely in a sealed bag or return them when instructed by the retailer.
• If you run a small store or market stand, check inventory immediately, remove the recalled lot, and notify regular customers by phone, social media or posted notice.
• If you bought the product online, keep order confirmation and contact Spring & Mulberry at recalls@springandmulberry.com with a photo of the lot code to request a refund.

Sources and reporting

• Spring & Mulberry recall notice and FDA posting
• ABC News coverage
• Fox Business coverage
• Consumer Reports summary on salmonella risks and symptoms

If you think you may be ill after eating a recalled product, contact your health care provider or local health department right away. For refund questions or to report finding a recalled product, email Spring & Mulberry at recalls@springandmulberry.com and include a clear photo of the lot code.