Spring & Mulberry Issues Expanded Nationwide Recall of Chocolate Bars Due to Salmonella Concerns

Chef Hour News Recall Press Release

Raleigh, NC — January 2026 — Spring & Mulberry, a U.S. chocolatier known for its date‑sweetened artisan chocolate bars, has announced an expanded voluntary recall of multiple candy (chocolate bar) varieties after routine third‑party testing identified potential Salmonella contamination in several product lots. The recall, first initiated on January 12, 2026 for the Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened Chocolate Bar, was broadened on January 14, 2026, to include additional flavors distributed nationwide.

Affected Products

The recalled chocolate bars were sold online and through select retail partners nationwide beginning September 15, 2025. Consumers can identify recalled bars by flavor name, lot code printed on the back of each package, and packaging color. The expanded recall includes the following products:

• Earl Grey — Lot #025258 (Purple box)

• Lavender Rose — Lot #025259, #025260 (Light Blue box)

• Mango Chili — Lot #025283 (Orange box)

• Mint Leaf — Lot #025255 (Teal box)

• Mixed Berry — Lot #025275, #025281, #025337 (Purple box)

• Mulberry Fennel — Lot #025345 (Burgundy box)

• Pecan Date — Lot #025261, #025265, #025267, #025268, #025339, #025343 (Yellow box)

• Pure Dark Minis — Lot #025273 (Blue box)

Reason for Recall

The potential Salmonella contamination was first detected after Spring & Mulberry’s contract manufacturer reported a positive test result in finished products during routine quality testing. The company expanded the recall out of an abundance of caution, noting that contamination “may appear intermittently,” prompting inclusion of additional lots produced during the same timeframe on shared equipment.

Health Risk Information

According to the FDA, Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Common symptoms include fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, infection may lead to arterial infections, endocarditis, or arthritis.

To date, no confirmed illnesses or adverse health effects have been reported in connection with the recalled products.

Consumer Guidance

Consumers who purchased any of the affected chocolate bars should not consume them and should instead dispose of them immediately. Spring & Mulberry is offering refunds or replacements to customers who submit a photo of the product showing the lot code. Contact: recalls@springandmulberry.com.

Chef Hour News Statement

Chef Hour News encourages all retailers, food service operators, and consumers to verify any Spring & Mulberry chocolates currently in inventory. Food safety remains a top priority, and prompt action helps protect public health and reduce potential risks.