Specialty chocolate bars promising guilt-free indulgence now carry a hidden threat from invisible Salmonella lurking in low-moisture treats—what flavors hit your pantry?
Story Snapshot
- Spring & Mulberry expands recall to eight date-sweetened chocolate flavors after Salmonella was detected in routine tests.
- Affected products sold nationwide since September 15, 2025, via online and select retailers.
- No confirmed illnesses, but a precautionary move due to bacteria’s sneaky survival in dry foods.
- Consumers discard items with specific lot codes and box colors; refunds are available via email.
Recall Expansion Details
Spring & Mulberry, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, initiated a voluntary recall on January 12, 2026, for Mint Leaf chocolate bars after third-party testing detected Salmonella.
Two days later, on January 14, the company expanded it to seven more flavors produced on the same equipment during overlapping periods. This swift action followed FDA consultation, addressing Salmonella’s intermittent presence that evades single tests.
Additional chocolate bars have been added to an already-expanded recall launched over possible salmonella contamination. https://t.co/J6MscnouPh
— KTLA (@KTLA) May 10, 2026
Affected products hit shelves starting September 15, 2025, through Amazon and specialty grocers. Lot codes appear on back packaging and inner wraps. Consumers check flavors like Pecan Date with lots #025261 through #025343 in yellow boxes, or Mixed Berry lots in purple boxes. Unaffected lots remain safe for consumption.
Affected Products List
Earl Grey carries lot #025258 in purple boxes. Lavender Rose includes #025259 and #025260 in light blue. Mango Chili has #025283 in orange. Mint Leaf uses #025255 in teal. Mulberry Fennel features #025345 in burgundy. Pure Dark Minis shows #025273 in blue. No illnesses reported as of May 2026, underscoring proactive testing’s role.
Salmonella persists in low-moisture environments like chocolate, surviving where it typically wouldn’t. Vulnerable groups—elderly, children, immunocompromised—face higher risks of fever, diarrhea, or severe dehydration. Past incidents, like 2022 Ghirardelli bars from contaminated nuts, mirror this pattern, validating the broad recall scope.
Company Response and Consumer Actions
Spring & Mulberry urges customers to discard affected bars immediately and email [email protected] with lot code photos for refunds or replacements. Retailers nationwide pull stock. The contract manufacturer flagged the issue via routine checks, preventing potential outbreaks driven by consumer complaints.
More chocolate bars added to nationwide recall over possible contamination https://t.co/bZEiCb0XYp
— WKRN News 2 (@WKRN) May 10, 2026
Broader Food Safety Implications
Date-sweetened bars target health-conscious eaters seeking low-sugar options, yet contamination risks persist from ingredients or shared lines. Industry trends show rising low-moisture food recalls thanks to better detection. Spring & Mulberry safeguards its niche reputation, potentially spurring stricter supplier audits across artisanal chocolates.
No source for contamination—nuts, dates, or equipment—specified, leaving questions open. Economic hit stays minor for this specialty brand, but trust rebuilds through transparency. FDA’s oversight reinforces public health without stifling innovation.
Sources:
Fox13 Seattle initial recall coverage
Consumer Reports detailed flavors
