Just days into the new year, a nationwide chocolate recall has been issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), warning consumers about potential Salmonella contamination in a popular plant-based chocolate bar. The recall affects Spring & Mulberry’s Mint Leaf Date Sweetened Chocolate Bar, which has been sold nationwide since September 2025. This latest food safety alert follows a series of chocolate-related recalls in recent months, highlighting ongoing concerns about allergen cross-contamination and pathogen risks in the food supply chain—issues that directly impact healthy eating habits and consumer safety.
How the Salmonella Contamination Was Discovered
On January 12, 2026, Spring & Mulberry voluntarily recalled lot #025255 of its Mint Leaf Date Sweetened Chocolate Bar (2.1 oz) after routine third-party laboratory testing detected possible Salmonella contamination. The Raleigh-based company confirmed the affected products had been distributed nationwide through online channels and select retail partners, including Whole Foods and Nordstrom, since September 15, 2025. According to the FDA announcement, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall, but the company is taking proactive measures to protect public health.
Consumers can identify the recalled product by its teal packaging, "Mint Leaf" flavor name, and lot code #025255 printed on both the outer box and inner flow wrap. The FDA classifies Salmonella as an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, the infection can enter the bloodstream, leading to more severe conditions like arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.
Recent Chocolate Recalls: A Timeline of Events
The Spring & Mulberry recall is the latest in a series of chocolate safety alerts that have emerged over the past year. Just weeks before this announcement, on December 20, 2025, Fran's Chocolates of Seattle recalled 112 units of its Pure Bar Almondmilk Chocolate 46% Madagascar Plant-Based product due to undeclared hazelnuts. This allergen-related recall followed one reported allergic reaction and was traced to cross-contamination at a supplier's processing facility. Earlier in 2025, Tony's Chocolonely recalled seven lots of its Dark Chocolate Almond Sea Salt Bar and Everything Bar after consumers reported finding small stones in the products—a hazard linked to almond harvesting and processing.
These incidents illustrate different types of food safety risks: pathogenic contamination (Salmonella), allergen mislabeling (hazelnuts), and physical hazards (stones). Each represents a distinct challenge in food manufacturing and supply chain management, yet all underscore the importance of rigorous quality control and transparent labeling for consumer protection.
Why Chocolate Recalls Matter for Your Health
Food recalls, especially those involving popular items like chocolate, serve as critical reminders about food safety practices that directly affect healthy eating. Salmonella contamination poses particular risks because the bacteria can survive in low-moisture environments like chocolate for extended periods. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Salmonella causes approximately 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the United States annually. For individuals with compromised immune systems—including those undergoing cancer treatment, living with autoimmune conditions, or taking immunosuppressive medications—even mild foodborne illnesses can have severe consequences.
Allergen recalls like the Fran's Chocolates incident highlight another dimension of food safety. For the estimated 32 million Americans with food allergies, undeclared allergens can trigger reactions ranging from hives and digestive distress to life-threatening anaphylaxis. The increasing popularity of plant-based alternatives has introduced new cross-contamination risks, as facilities often process multiple types of nuts and seeds on shared equipment. This makes thorough label reading and manufacturer transparency essential for those with food sensitivities.
Where Things Stand Now: Latest Updates
As of mid-January 2026, Spring & Mulberry continues to coordinate with the FDA on the voluntary recall. The company has established a dedicated email address (recalls@springandmulberry.com) where consumers can submit photos of affected products to receive refunds. The FDA emphasizes that while it posts recall announcements as a public service, it does not endorse specific products or companies. Consumers are advised to check the FDA's Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts portal regularly for updates on this and other food safety notices.
For the Fran's Chocolates recall, the company reports that all affected products have been removed from store shelves and online sales channels. Customers who purchased the almond milk chocolate bars between October 9 and December 15, 2025, can return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or contact Fran's customer service at 1-800-422-3726. The Tony's Chocolonely recall from April 2025 remains closed, with the company having addressed the stone contamination issue through improved screening processes at its supplier facilities.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family
Food safety begins with informed consumer choices. Here are practical steps you can take to minimize risks associated with food recalls:
- Register for recall alerts: Sign up for email notifications from the FDA and USDA to receive immediate updates about food recalls.
- Check lot codes and expiration dates: When purchasing packaged foods, note the lot codes and expiration dates. Keep receipts to facilitate returns if needed.
- Practice proper food handling: Wash hands before eating, store foods at appropriate temperatures, and avoid cross-contamination in your kitchen.
- Know the symptoms of foodborne illness: Be aware of common signs like diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, and vomiting. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
- Read labels carefully: Especially if you have food allergies, check ingredient lists and allergen statements every time you purchase a product, as formulations can change.
For those who may have consumed the recalled Spring & Mulberry chocolate bars, monitor for symptoms of Salmonella infection for up to six days after consumption. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe symptoms, and report any suspected foodborne illnesses to your local health department.
The Bottom Line: Key Points to Remember
• Spring & Mulberry's Mint Leaf Date Sweetened Chocolate Bar (lot #025255) is recalled due to possible Salmonella contamination
• No illnesses have been reported, but the recall is precautionary
• The product was sold nationwide online and at retailers including Whole Foods and Nordstrom since September 2025
• Consumers should dispose of affected products and contact Spring & Mulberry for refunds
• This recall follows other chocolate safety incidents involving allergens and physical contaminants
• Regular monitoring of FDA recall notices and proper food handling practices are essential for maintaining food safety
Food recalls, while concerning, demonstrate that safety monitoring systems are working to identify and address potential hazards before they cause widespread harm. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, consumers can continue to enjoy their favorite foods while minimizing health risks—an essential component of any healthy eating strategy.
