Spring & Mulberry Recalls Mint Leaf Chocolate Bars Nationwide Over Possible Salmonella
Spring & Mulberry issued a voluntary recall on January 12, 2026, for its Mint Leaf Date-Sweetened Chocolate Bar (72% cacao), lot #025255, after routine lab testing indicated possible Salmonella contamination; consumers nationwide should discard affected bars and seek refunds.
- Product affected: Mint Leaf Date-Sweetened Chocolate Bar (72% cacao), 2.1 oz, teal packaging, Lot No. 025255.
- Scope: Sold online (including Amazon) and at select retailers nationwide since Sept. 15, 2025; recall limited to a single lot.
- Health: No illnesses reported to date; Salmonella can cause serious illness in vulnerable populations.
- Action: Do not eat the product — dispose of it or return for a refund by emailing recalls@springandmulberry.com with a photo of the lot code.
Key information
Product: Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf Date-Sweetened Chocolate Bar (72% cacao), 2.1-ounce size, teal packaging (Sources: FDA; Fox Business).
Lot affected: Lot No. 025255. The lot code appears on the back of the box and inner flow wrap (Sources: ABC News; AARP).
Sales window: Items sold nationwide online (including Amazon) and at select retailers since Sept. 15, 2025 (Sources: Consumer Reports; Fox Business).
Reason: Potential Salmonella contamination discovered during routine third-party laboratory testing; the company called the recall a proactive measure to protect public health (Sources: FDA; Fox Business).
Illness reports: No illnesses or adverse health effects have been reported to date (ABC News; AARP).
What the recall covers and where it was sold
Spring & Mulberry and the FDA state the recall affects only Lot No. 025255 and does not extend to other flavors or lots. The bars were sold through Spring & Mulberry’s online store, major e-commerce platforms (including Amazon), and select retailers nationwide beginning Sept. 15, 2025. Consumers should check for teal packaging and the lot code on the back of the box or inner flow wrap (Consumer Reports; Fox Business).
How the contamination was found
Routine testing by an independent third-party laboratory detected the possible presence of Salmonella in the specified lot. Spring & Mulberry described the recall as a proactive action “to protect public health,” and the FDA added the recall notice to its public database (FDA; Fox Business).
Salmonella risks and symptoms
Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious illness, particularly in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms typically appear between 6 hours and 6 days after exposure and may include:
- Fever
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach cramps
Most healthy individuals recover within four to seven days, but severe cases may cause bloodstream infections or other complications. Seek medical attention for high fever (>102°F), persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, or bloody stool (FDA; Consumer Reports; AARP).
What consumers should do now
If you have the recalled Mint Leaf bar with Lot #025255, do not eat it. Dispose of the product or return it to the point of purchase for instructions. Spring & Mulberry is offering refunds; the company asks consumers to email recalls@springandmulberry.com with a photo of the lot code to request a refund. Follow safe handling and disposal practices to avoid cross-contamination in the home (ABC News; AARP; FDA).
Investigative questions and supply-chain concerns
The recall raises routine but important investigative lines that stakeholders and reporters should watch:
- Timing: Why did routine testing flag contamination months after market entry on Sept. 15, 2025? Was testing done at distribution, storage, or after retail shipment? (Fox Business; Consumer Reports).
- Third-party testing: Which lab conducted the testing and what chain-of-custody protocols were followed? Transparency about third-party findings can help restore trust (FDA).
- Containment: Did Spring & Mulberry conduct follow-up testing on other lots or ingredients to rule out broader contamination? Independent verification and clear public reporting are important (ABC News; AARP).
Company and regulator statements
Spring & Mulberry notified the FDA and posted a recall announcement describing the voluntary action and advising consumers to stop consuming the product. The FDA’s public recall notice lists product details and return instructions. To date, both company and federal statements report no illnesses linked to the product (FDA; ABC News).
Implications for Redding, California
Economic impact: Local retailers and specialty shops in Redding that stocked Spring & Mulberry items may face returns and refund processing; store owners should audit inventory for teal-packaged bars and follow company refund procedures to limit disruption (Consumer Reports).
Public health: Redding-area hospitals and clinics should be aware of the recall to advise patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms and a potential history of ingestion. Although no illnesses are reported nationally, physicians and urgent-care centers should monitor for Salmonella-compatible cases and report suspected foodborne illness to local public-health authorities (FDA; AARP).
Supply-chain considerations: Redding-area distributors and specialty suppliers should audit incoming batches for Lot 025255 and quarantine matches. Review supplier testing and traceability practices and communicate clearly with customers about returns and refunds (Fox Business; ABC News).
Practical steps: Check pantries for teal-packaged Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf bars and look for Lot #025255 on the back of the box or inner flow wrap. If found, do not eat—dispose or return for a refund by emailing recalls@springandmulberry.com with a photo of the lot code. Seek medical care and notify public-health officials if you experience Salmonella-compatible symptoms (ABC News; AARP; FDA).
For further information and the official recall notice, see:
Contact information for refunds and questions
Email: recalls@springandmulberry.com — provision of a photo of the lot code is required to request a refund (ABC News).
