Spring & Mulberry recalls Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened bars nationwide over Salmonella concerns
Spring & Mulberry, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, on January 12, 2026, voluntarily recalled a single lot (#025255) of its 2.1‑ounce, 72% cacao Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened chocolate bars after possible Salmonella contamination found in third‑party testing.
Key takeaways
- Product: Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened Chocolate Bars, 2.1‑ounce, 72% cacao, teal packaging — affected lot #025255. Source: FDA.
- Recall date: January 12, 2026; product sold since September 15, 2025; sold online (including Amazon) and at select retailers nationwide — reporting: Fox Business coverage.
- Health status: No illnesses reported to date; consumers should check packaging and follow return/disposal instructions — coverage: ABC News coverage.
Details of the recall and testing
What happened: Spring & Mulberry initiated a voluntary nationwide recall on January 12, 2026 after a routine, third‑party laboratory test raised safety concerns for one lot of its Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened bars. The company and the FDA recall notice state the recall is limited to lot #025255 of the 2.1‑ounce, 72% cacao bars in teal packaging.
Company statement: Spring & Mulberry framed the action as a precaution: “proactively recalling the specific lot in which this risk applies to protect public health,” and emphasized that other products and lots are not affected.
Where the bars were sold and how to identify them
The recalled bars were available online (including Amazon) and at select retailers nationwide since mid‑September 2025. Consumers should look for the teal outer box and check both the back of the box and the inner flow wrap for the lot code #025255. Only the 2.1‑ounce, 72% cacao Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened bars in that lot are included in the recall (Fox Business coverage; ABC News coverage).
What consumers should do now
- Do not eat the product. Dispose of it immediately in a sealed container or package to prevent access by children, pets, or wildlife (Consumer Reports coverage).
- Request a refund: Email recalls@springandmulberry.com and include a photo of the lot code; Spring & Mulberry has said it will process refunds for affected customers (ABC News coverage).
- Store returns: Contact the retailer where you purchased the bars for return instructions if bought in‑store, or follow the online retailer’s recall procedures for digital purchases (FDA recall notice).
Health risks, symptoms and when to seek care
Salmonella infection can be serious, particularly for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms generally appear between 6 hours and 6 days after exposure and may include fever, diarrhea (possibly bloody), nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.
If symptoms are severe — such as prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, high fever (≥102°F), bloody stools, or signs of severe dehydration — seek medical care promptly.
Most healthy individuals recover in 4–7 days without specific treatment, but severe cases can lead to bloodstream infections and other complications. For guidance, see public health resources and consult a healthcare provider if concerned (Consumer Reports; FDA).
Regulatory context and industry practices
This action reflects routine FDA oversight and third‑party testing protocols intended to detect contamination before illnesses occur. The agency posts recall notices when firms voluntarily remove products based on testing or identified risks; companies commonly partner with independent laboratories for verification (Fox Business coverage).
Reporting and transparency
Spring & Mulberry’s notice, echoed in the FDA posting, stresses transparency: the company provided refund instructions, requested photos of lot codes for claims, and assured consumers that other lots and products remain safe. Media and consumer safety organizations have reported consistent details drawn from the FDA announcement and the company’s recall notice (ABC News coverage; Consumer Reports coverage).
Implications for Hesperia, California
Economic impact: Hesperia’s small grocers, convenience stores, and health‑food shops that stocked specialty items may face short‑term returns and lost sales. Independent retailers must process refunds, adjust inventory, and follow supplier and FDA guidance to handle returns efficiently (Fox Business coverage).
Political consequences: The recall underscores the role of routine testing and oversight. Local leaders and constituents can use the incident to advocate for clear supplier communication and supportive actions from local health departments to help small shops manage returns (FDA).
Social effects: Families with young children or older adults should check pantries for teal‑packaged Mint Leaf bars and dispose of any product from lot #025255. Community groups and local networks can help spread accurate information to seniors and residents without regular internet access (Consumer Reports).
Cultural relevance: Shoppers who prefer natural sweeteners may question sourcing and testing for niche products; local grocers can respond by highlighting supply‑chain transparency and safety checks (ABC News).
Practical actions for Hesperia residents
- Check your pantry: Inspect packaging for lot #025255 on the back of the box or inner wrap.
- Dispose safely: Seal and throw the product away; do not feed recalled product to children or pets (Consumer Reports).
- Request a refund: Email recalls@springandmulberry.com with a photo of the lot code to request reimbursement (ABC News).
- Seek care if needed: Contact your healthcare provider if you or a family member develop severe symptoms after possible exposure (Consumer Reports).
