Ghirardelli Chocolate Company has issued a voluntary recall of 13 powdered beverage mixes over concerns of potential Salmonella contamination, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on April 28, 2026. The recall affects a wide range of products including hot cocoa mixes, frappe bases, and other powdered drink blends sold under the iconic San Francisco-based brand.
The recall was triggered by a separate recall from California Dairies, Inc., whose milk powder — used as an ingredient by a third-party manufacturer for Ghirardelli's beverage mixes — was flagged for potential Salmonella contamination. While no illnesses have been reported to date, the company is urging consumers and businesses to check their inventory and stop using affected products immediately.
How the Recall Unfolded: What Triggered Ghirardelli's Action
The chain of events began when California Dairies, Inc., one of the largest dairy cooperatives in the United States, initiated its own recall of milk powder due to potential Salmonella contamination. That milk powder had been supplied to a third-party manufacturer, which used it as an ingredient in producing Ghirardelli-branded powdered beverage mixes. Upon learning of the potential contamination, Ghirardelli moved quickly to identify, quarantine, and recall affected products.
According to the FDA, Ghirardelli has placed a substantial portion of the impacted inventory on hold at its warehouse facilities and is actively working with partners to return or dispose of potentially contaminated products. The company has also alerted customers who received the products and has been in close contact with federal regulators throughout the process.
Timeline: How the Ghirardelli Salmonella Recall Developed
Early April 2026: California Dairies, Inc. identifies potential Salmonella contamination in its milk powder and initiates a recall. This milk powder had been supplied to a third-party manufacturer used by Ghirardelli.
April 27, 2026: Ghirardelli Chocolate Company initiates a voluntary recall of 13 powdered beverage mix products that may contain the contaminated milk powder ingredient.
April 28, 2026: The FDA publishes the recall announcement, making the public aware of the affected products, lot numbers, and best-by dates. News outlets nationwide begin reporting on the recall.
April 29, 2026: Major news organizations including USA Today, Newsweek, People, and local affiliates report on the expanding recall, urging consumers to check their pantries and businesses to remove affected products from circulation.
Why Salmonella in Chocolate Products Is Especially Concerning
Salmonella is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness in the United States, responsible for an estimated 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths annually, according to the CDC. While anyone can become sick from Salmonella, certain groups are at much higher risk — including children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection typically include fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare but serious cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and lead to arterial infections, endocarditis, or arthritis. Because food contaminated with Salmonella does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled, consumers may not realize they are consuming a contaminated product until symptoms appear.
Chocolate and powdered milk products present a particular concern because their low moisture and high fat content can actually protect Salmonella bacteria, allowing them to survive longer than in other foods. This is why regulatory agencies treat potential contamination in these products with heightened urgency.
Complete List of Recalled Products: What to Check For
The recall is limited to 13 specific powdered beverage mixes sold in large-format packaging intended primarily for food service and institutional customers. However, some of these products may have been available for purchase by consumers through e-commerce platforms. Affected products include:
- 30lb Chocolate Flavored Frappe — Lot numbers: S195260A03, S195261A03, S291260A03, S295260A03, S596260A03, S191260A03, S291261A03. Best by: 5/31/2027–8/31/2027
- 30lb Classic White Frappe — Lot numbers: S396260A03, S496260A03. Best by: 7/31/2027
- 4/2lb Premium Hot Cocoa Pouch Bulk — Lot numbers: S550250A04, S149250A04, S249250A04, S349250A04, S449250A04, S549250A04. Best by: 5/31/2027–6/30/2027
- 6/3lb Chocolate & Cocoa Sweet Ground Powder — Lot numbers: S293260, S293261. Best by: 12/31/2027–1/31/2028
- 6/3.12lb White Chocolate Flavored Sweet Ground Powder — Lot numbers: S394260, S494260, S594260. Best by: 7/31/2027
- 6/3lb Vanilla Frappe Mix — Lot numbers: S495260, S495261, S594262. Best by: 3/31/2027–7/31/2027
- 6/3.12lb Chocolate Flavored Frappe Mix — Lot numbers: S397261, S397262, S397263. Best by: 2/28/2027–6/30/2027
- 6/3.12lb Classic White Frappe Mix — Lot numbers: S193260, S193261. Best by: 6/30/2027–7/31/2027
- 10# Chocolate Flavored Frappe Mix — Lot numbers: S295260A03, S395260A03. Best by: 7/31/2027
- 10# Classic White Frappe Mix — Lot numbers: S296260A03, S292260A03, S292260A03, S292261A03. Best by: 7/31/2027–8/31/2027
- 6/3.12lb White Mocha Frappe Mix — Lot numbers: S297261, S297262, S393262. Best by: 5/31/2027–7/31/2027
- 6/3.12lb Mocha Frappe Mix — Lot numbers: S295261, S295262, S395260, S588260, S187260. Best by: 4/30/2027–8/31/2027
- 6/3.12lb Frozen Hot Cocoa Frappe Mix — Lot numbers: S195260, S195261, S295260, S393260, S487260, S587260. Best by: 5/31/2027–9/30/2027
Where Things Stand Now: Latest on the Ghirardelli Recall
As of the latest updates, no illnesses linked to the recalled products have been reported. The company has committed to working with its partners to remove potentially contaminated products from the supply chain and is cooperating fully with the FDA. Products were distributed in 41 states across the U.S., making this a widespread recall with significant reach.
Ghirardelli has set up a dedicated customer service line for consumers with questions or concerns: 1-844-776-0419, available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. The company also directed consumers to its official voluntary recall notice page for the most up-to-date information.
What Happens Next: Protecting Your Health and What to Watch For
For consumers who may have purchased these products through e-commerce platforms, health experts recommend checking the lot numbers and best-by dates against the recall list. If you have any of the affected products, do not consume them. Return them to the place of purchase or dispose of them immediately.
If you or a family member experiences symptoms of Salmonella infection — including fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain — after consuming any recalled product, contact a healthcare provider promptly. Symptoms typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and can last 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without treatment, but severe cases may require hospitalization, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Food safety experts also recommend checking your freezer and pantry for any large-format powdered beverage mixes purchased in bulk, as these are the types of products most affected by the recall. The FDA and Ghirardelli will continue to monitor the situation and update the public if additional products or information become available.
The Bottom Line: Key Points to Remember
- Ghirardelli has recalled 13 powdered beverage mixes due to potential Salmonella contamination from a milk powder supplier
- No illnesses have been reported, but consumers should still check their products against the recall list
- Affected products are large-format packaging intended for food service but may have been sold via e-commerce
- Call 1-844-776-0419 for questions or visit the Ghirardelli voluntary recall notice online
- Symptoms of Salmonella include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain — seek medical care if symptoms occur
