Nationwide recall of Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf Date-Sweetened chocolate bars over Salmonella fears; lot #025255 pulled after routine lab testing
Spring & Mulberry has voluntarily recalled a single lot of its Mint Leaf Date-Sweetened Chocolate Bars (72% cacao, lot #025255) after third-party lab testing raised concerns about possible Salmonella contamination; consumers should not eat the teal-packaged bars.
Key takeaways
- Product recalled: Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf Date-Sweetened Chocolate Bar, 2.1-ounce, 72% cacao, lot #025255 (teal packaging) — see the Spring & Mulberry recall notice via FDA.
- Reason: Possible Salmonella contamination identified through routine testing by a third-party lab — coverage at Fox Business report.
- Scope: Nationwide; sold online (including Amazon) and at select retailers since Sept. 15, 2025. Only lot #025255 is affected — see ABC News coverage and AARP Health.
- Consumer action: Do not eat the product. Dispose of it and email a photo of the lot code to recalls@springandmulberry.com for a refund; see instructions in the FDA recall notice.
What happened
Spring & Mulberry, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, issued a voluntary recall on Jan. 12, 2026, for a single lot (025255) of its Mint Leaf Date-Sweetened Chocolate Bar (72% cacao). The company reported that routine testing by a third-party laboratory raised safety concerns, prompting the company to pull the lot to protect public health. The FDA posted the recall notice online the same day; the agency’s announcement is available as the Spring & Mulberry recall notice via FDA.
What consumers should look for
Check packaging and lot codes carefully. The affected product is the teal-packaged 2.1-ounce Mint Leaf Date-Sweetened Chocolate Bar. The lot number 025255 is printed on the back of the box and on the inner wrapper. If you have a bar from that lot, do not taste it. Take a clear photo of the lot code and email it to recalls@springandmulberry.com to request a refund. The company emphasizes the recall applies only to this lot; other Spring & Mulberry products are not included (ABC News coverage).
Health risks from Salmonella
Symptoms: Fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Symptoms generally appear six hours to six days after exposure. Most healthy people recover in four to seven days, but Salmonella can be serious for young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems.
Seek medical care if you experience severe or prolonged symptoms, a high fever (102°F or higher), signs of dehydration, or blood in the stool.
How the recall came about
The recall is voluntary and limited to a single lot after routine testing by a third-party laboratory flagged a potential problem. Company and regulatory follow-up will focus on confirming the source of contamination and preventing further risk. News coverage notes Spring & Mulberry did not immediately provide additional public comment beyond the recall notice (Fox Business report).
How retailers and online sellers should respond
Retailers and online sellers must remove the affected lot from shelves and listings, isolate any returned product, and cooperate with recall steps outlined by Spring & Mulberry and the FDA. Third-party sellers and subscription-box providers should check order histories for the product name and lot code and facilitate refunds or returns per guidance in the FDA recall notice.
Regulatory context and recent food safety alerts
The FDA posts recall announcements to help consumers, retailers, and health departments track affected products. This recall is one of several food-safety actions this winter, alongside recent recalls for cheese linked to Listeria and frozen tater tots for plastic pieces; the FDA’s public notices provide specifics for each case (FDA recall notice).
Company response and transparency questions
Company statement: Spring & Mulberry said it is proactively recalling the affected lot to protect public health and emphasized other products are not impacted. Reporters note the company did not immediately respond to additional media requests beyond the recall notice (Fox Business report).
Implications for San Luis Obispo
Economic impact
Local specialty retailers, co-ops, boutiques and farmers markets that stock artisanal or sustainably sourced chocolate could face questions and short-term inventory interruptions. Online orders via Amazon or direct purchases are the most likely source for local buyers in San Luis Obispo (ABC News coverage).
Political consequences
San Luis Obispo County public health officials will monitor the recall, answer resident questions, and coordinate with state or FDA officials if any local cases appear. No illnesses have been reported to date (FDA recall notice).
Social effects and cultural relevance
The recall may prompt shoppers who favor small-batch or “clean label” foods to scrutinize pantry items and ask retailers about sourcing and testing practices, especially in a community that values locally made specialty products.
Practical applications for residents
- Check pantry lists for the teal-packaged Mint Leaf Date-Sweetened Chocolate Bar. Look for lot #025255 on the back of the box and inner wrapper.
- If you have the product, do not eat it. Photograph the lot code and email the photo to recalls@springandmulberry.com for refund instructions (Fox Business report).
- Seek medical care if you develop fever, severe or bloody diarrhea, high fever (102°F+), or signs of dehydration within six hours to six days after possible exposure (Consumer Reports).
Sources and further reading
- Spring & Mulberry recall notice via FDA
- Fox Business report
- ABC News coverage
- Consumer Reports
- AARP Health
If you are a San Luis Obispo retailer or resident with questions about local availability or believe you purchased the affected lot, consult the FDA recall notice, contact Spring & Mulberry at recalls@springandmulberry.com, and consult San Luis Obispo County Public Health for local guidance.
