Nationwide recall of Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf Chocolate Bars after routine testing detects possible Salmonella
Spring & Mulberry has voluntarily recalled nationwide its Mint Leaf Date-Sweetened Chocolate Bars (lot #025255) after routine third‑party testing found possible Salmonella contamination; no illnesses reported. Consumers should dispose of affected bars and request refunds.
- Product: Mint Leaf Date-Sweetened Chocolate Bar, 2.1-ounce, 72% cacao, teal packaging — lot #025255.
- Action: Voluntary nationwide recall announced Jan. 12, 2026; FDA recall notice.
- Consumer steps: Do not eat the bars; dispose of them and email recalls@springandmulberry.com with a photo of the lot code for a refund.
What was recalled and why
The recall affects only lot number 025255 of Spring & Mulberry’s Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened Chocolate Bars (2.1‑ounce, 72% cacao) packaged in teal boxes and inner flow wrap. A third‑party laboratory identified a potential Salmonella contamination during routine screening, prompting a voluntary, proactive recall to protect public health. The company and regulatory postings say the issue is limited to this lot and does not affect other Spring & Mulberry products. See the FDA recall notice and a Consumer Reports overview for details.
How the bars were sold and how to identify them
Spring & Mulberry distributed the Mint Leaf bars online (including Amazon) and to select retailers beginning Sept. 15, 2025. Shoppers should look for teal packaging, the “Mint Leaf” flavor label, and the printed lot code 025255 on the back of the box or the inner flow wrap. Retailers who received the lot are expected to have removed affected inventory.
For media context see reporting from Fox Business, ABC News, and AARP.
Health risks and Salmonella symptoms
Salmonella infection can cause fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Symptoms usually appear 6 hours to 6 days after exposure. Most healthy people recover in 4–7 days, but young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems face higher risk of severe illness or complications, including bloodstream spread, endocarditis, or reactive arthritis.
Seek medical care if symptoms last more than a few days, you have a high fever (102°F/38.9°C or higher), signs of dehydration, or bloody stools.
Consumer guidance and health context referenced from Consumer Reports and AARP.
Consumer steps: dispose, document, claim refund
- Do not eat any Mint Leaf bars from lot #025255. Dispose of them in a sealed bag or container to prevent accidental consumption.
- Document for refund: Email recalls@springandmulberry.com with a photo that clearly shows the lot code on the box or inner flow wrap to request a refund (procedure noted by ABC News and AARP).
- Illness reporting: If you feel unwell after consuming the product, contact your healthcare provider and report the illness to your local health department. See the official FDA recall notice for filing guidance.
Regulatory context and testing questions
The recall was triggered by routine third‑party laboratory testing — a common element of modern food‑safety programs. A voluntary recall limits exposure while companies and regulators investigate root causes, conduct confirmatory testing, and perform tracebacks. The FDA classifies the event under its foodborne illness risk notices and will post updates or classification information as investigations proceed.
Key investigative questions include:
- Where in the supply chain did the contamination risk originate — ingredients, equipment, packaging, or storage?
- What testing protocol flagged the potential contamination and is confirmatory testing underway?
- How will retailers and online marketplaces ensure affected lots are removed and buyers notified?
Sources and commentary: Fox Business and the FDA recall notice.
Company response and media outreach
Spring & Mulberry characterized the recall as proactive to protect public health. Multiple outlets report the company had not provided additional comment beyond the recall notice at the time of reporting; the FDA posting serves as the formal public record for now. Media requests and updates may follow as confirmatory testing and tracebacks proceed.
Wider recall landscape
This recall occurs amid other recent U.S. food recalls (for example, cheese products for potential Listeria and frozen products for foreign-object concerns). Such incidents underscore how routine testing and supply‑chain checks can surface hazards across product categories and prompt rapid action by manufacturers and regulators. See coverage by Fox Business.
Implications for California
Economic: California retailers and online sellers that stocked the Mint Leaf bars may bear direct costs for returns, disposal, and logistics. Small specialty shops may face short‑term sales impacts as consumers shift to established brands.
Political and regulatory: State agencies, including the California Department of Public Health and local health departments, may monitor reports and coordinate with the FDA to track any illnesses and ensure clear retailer notifications. The recall may reignite discussions about inspection and testing standards for small and emerging food brands.
Social and cultural: Californians who favor artisanal or date‑sweetened chocolates may be more cautious; prompt refunds and transparent communication from Spring & Mulberry and retailers will be important to restore consumer trust.
Reporting and transparency
The FDA recall notice is the formal consumer and retailer advisory. Journalists and consumers should monitor that page for updates and any confirmation testing results from Spring & Mulberry or federal labs. As of the FDA posting, Spring & Mulberry has not offered further comment beyond the recall statement.
Sources and further reading
- FDA recall notice
- Fox Business reporting
- Consumer Reports overview
- ABC News coverage
- AARP health notice
For refunds and to submit proof of purchase and the lot code, email recalls@springandmulberry.com. If you suspect Salmonella exposure, contact your healthcare provider and local health department immediately.
