Full Breakdown
Spring & Mulberry Expands Salmonella-Related Chocolate Bar Recall to Entire Product Line
5/11/2026, 11:13:06 PM
Expanded Recall of Spring & Mulberry Chocolate Bars
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on May 8 2026 that Spring & Mulberry, a Raleigh, North Carolina specialty chocolate maker, is voluntarily recalling all 12 flavored date-sweetened chocolate bars it sells nationwide. The recall now covers the flavors Blood Orange, Coffee, Earl Grey, Lavender Rose, Mango Chili, Mint Leaf, Mixed Berry, Mulberry Fennel, Pecan Date, Pure Dark, Pure Dark Mini and Sea Salt.
Background and Initial Recall
Spring & Mulberry first issued a voluntary recall on January 12 2026 for its Mint Leaf Date-Sweetened Chocolate Bar after routine third-party testing detected possible Salmonella. The January action was later broadened to eight additional flavors. A “comprehensive root-cause investigation” conducted with manufacturing partners and food-safety experts identified a single lot of date ingredient as the likely contamination source, prompting the May expansion to the full product line.
Timeline of Recall Actions
- Jan 12 2026 – Initial recall of Mint Leaf bar.
- Late Jan 2026 – Expansion to eight additional flavors.
- May 8 2026 – FDA confirms recall now includes all 12 flavors and all finished products made with the implicated date lot.
Scope of Recall: Flavors, Lot Numbers, and Distribution
The FDA recall notice lists dozens of lot and batch codes (e.g., 025217, 025289, 025325, 025226, 025274, 025344, 025346, 025204, 025205, 025212, 025216, 026037, 026040, 025245, 025322, 025328, 025225, 025272, 025342, 025364, 025220, 025223, 025247, 025248, 025251, 025253, 025288, 025296, 025335, 025302, 025303, 026009, 026013, 026014). The products were sold online and through select retail partners nationwide beginning August 2025 (some sources cite August 2026).
Public-Health Impact and Consumer Guidance
The FDA reports that all recalled items have tested negative for Salmonella and no illnesses have been reported. Nevertheless, Salmonella can cause severe disease in young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Consumers are instructed to discard the bars immediately and may obtain a full refund by emailing a photo of the packaging showing the batch code to recalls@springandmulberry.com.
Official Statements & Responses
- The FDA emphasized that the investigation pinpointed a single lot of date ingredient as the most likely source of contamination and that the recall is precautionary.
- Spring & Mulberry reiterated that the expanded recall follows a thorough investigation with the FDA and that the company is committed to consumer safety.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The investigation has now identified a single lot of date ingredient used in the production of the company’s chocolate as the most likely source of contamination,” — FDA spokesperson
- “This expansion follows a comprehensive root cause investigation conducted by the company’s manufacturing partners in coordination with leading food safety experts and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The investigation has now identified a single lot of date ingredient used in the production of the company’s chocolate as the most likely source of contamination,” — Spring & Mulberry press release, May 8 2026
- “CHOCOLATE BARS PULLED FROM SHELVES NATIONWIDE OVER SALMONELLA CONCERNS All products included in the expanded recall have tested negative for Salmonella, the FDA said.” — FDA statement
- “GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE Consumers who have purchased any of the listed products are urged not to consume them and to dispose of the product immediately.” — Recall notice, FDA
- “com There have been no confirmed reports of illness associated with the recalled products to date, the FDA said Friday.” — FDA
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the initial recall date (Jan 12 vs. Jan 14) and the start of nationwide sales (August 2025 vs. August 2026). The number of flavors initially recalled is reported as eight in some outlets and as a broader set in others. Lot-code listings vary in length across reports, indicating incomplete public documentation. No independent laboratory verification beyond FDA testing is cited.
What’s Next
The FDA will continue monitoring for any Salmonella cases linked to Spring & Mulberry products. Spring & Mulberry plans to work with its ingredient supplier to prevent future contamination and will update the public if additional information emerges.
