Nationwide recall of Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf chocolate bars over Salmonella fears; consumers urged to throw out affected lot
Spring & Mulberry of Raleigh issued a nationwide voluntary recall on Jan. 12, 2026, for its Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened Chocolate Bars, lot #025255, after third‑party testing suggested possible Salmonella contamination; consumers should dispose and seek refunds.
- Product recalled: Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened Chocolate Bar (72% cacao), 2.1‑ounce, teal packaging, lot #025255.
- Scope: Voluntary nationwide recall announced Jan. 12, 2026; sold online (including Amazon) and at select retailers since Sept. 15, 2025.
- Reason: Possible Salmonella contamination detected via routine third‑party laboratory testing; no illnesses reported to date.
- What to do: Do not eat; dispose of the product and email recalls@springandmulberry.com with a photo of the lot code for a refund.
What the recall covers and how it was found
Spring & Mulberry issued a voluntary recall limited to one lot — Lot No. 025255 — of its Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened Chocolate Bars after routine testing by an independent laboratory suggested possible Salmonella contamination. The company said it is proactively removing that lot from sale to protect public health and emphasized no other products are affected. The FDA’s public notice mirrors the company announcement; see the FDA recall notice.
Distribution and identification
The bars, sold in teal packaging, were available nationwide online (including Amazon) and at select retailers beginning Sept. 15, 2025. Lot codes appear on the back of the box and the inner wrapper to help consumers and retailers identify recalled items. Media coverage includes reports from Fox Business and ABC News.
Health risks tied to Salmonella
Salmonella can cause fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Symptoms typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and most healthy people recover in 4–7 days. However, the infection can be severe or life‑threatening for young children, older adults, frail people and those with weakened immune systems. In rare cases, the bacteria may spread to the bloodstream and cause serious complications such as endocarditis or joint infections (see coverage by Consumer Reports and AARP).
Seek medical care for severe dehydration, high fever (102°F or higher), or bloody stools. If ill after eating the recalled bars, tell your clinician about possible Salmonella exposure.
Consumer actions and company response
Spring & Mulberry is urging customers with bars from lot #025255 not to eat them. Consumers should dispose of the product and email recalls@springandmulberry.com with a photo of the lot code to request a refund. The company says the recall is limited to this lot and that it is acting out of an abundance of caution. To date, no illnesses have been reported and the company has provided limited additional comment beyond the recall notice.
How this fits into broader food safety activity
The recall follows routine testing practices regulators and manufacturers use to detect hazards early. The FDA has been active on several recent food safety issues — from Listeria in cheese to foreign objects in frozen foods — underscoring the role of testing and rapid response to protect public health. The FDA’s public recall posting provides instructions for consumers, retailers and distributors; see the FDA recall notice.
Investigative questions: supply chain, testing and retail traceability
- Source of contamination: Investigators will examine whether contamination occurred in ingredient sourcing, manufacturing, packaging or distribution.
- Testing protocols: What pre‑ and post‑production testing did Spring & Mulberry perform, and what follow‑up testing will be done after the third‑party result?
- Traceability: How quickly can retailers and online sellers confirm and remove lot #025255 from inventories using lot codes on boxes and inner wrappers?
Implications for Utah
Economic impact
Utah retailers that stocked Spring & Mulberry bars — from specialty grocers to independent health‑food stores — should check inventory for lot #025255 and remove any affected items. Smaller shops may face lost shelf space, staff time for returns and potential waste; retailers should follow FDA guidance and coordinate with suppliers and the company.
Political consequences
For conservative Utah audiences, recalls often prompt debate about regulatory oversight versus business responsibility. This action highlights partnerships among private companies, independent labs and the FDA in protecting the food supply. Transparency and prompt regulator action tend to reassure consumers and businesses alike.
Social effects and public health
Families with young children, older adults, or immunocompromised members should be especially cautious. Community organizations that distribute food should verify donations and purchases do not include the recalled lot. Local health departments will monitor for any linked illnesses; none have been reported as of the recall notice.
Cultural relevance
Spring & Mulberry positions itself as a niche, premium maker of date‑sweetened bars appealing to shoppers seeking natural sweeteners. A recall of a specialty product can quickly affect consumer trust; clear communication and an easy refund process will be important for Utah customers who favor artisanal or local‑style brands.
Practical steps for Utah residents
- Check any Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf bars for teal packaging and lot #025255 on the back of the box or inner wrapper. Do not eat bars from that lot.
- If you find the recalled product, dispose of it and email recalls@springandmulberry.com with a photo of the lot code to request a refund.
- Contact the retailer where you purchased the bar for return and refund instructions if bought in‑store.
- If you feel ill after eating a recalled bar, especially if you are elderly, very young or immunocompromised, seek medical care and inform the clinician about possible Salmonella exposure.
- Keep receipts or order records if you plan to request refunds or report concerns to public health officials.
Sources and official notices
Official and media sources referenced in this report:
For consumer questions or refund requests email: recalls@springandmulberry.com.
