Nationwide recall of Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf Chocolate Bars after routine testing flags possible Salmonella contamination
Spring & Mulberry of Raleigh voluntarily recalled lot #025255 of its Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened 72% cacao chocolate bars nationwide after routine third‑party lab testing suggested possible Salmonella contamination; consumers are urged not to eat the bars and to seek refunds.
Key takeaways
- Product recalled: Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened Chocolate Bars (72% cacao), 2.1‑ounce bars in teal packaging — Spring & Mulberry recall notice.
- Affected lot: Lot No. 025255 (printed on the back of the box and inner wrapper).
- Consumer action: Do not eat bars from lot 025255; dispose or follow refund instructions by emailing recalls@springandmulberry.com with a photo of the lot code.
- Health status: No illnesses have been reported to date; the recall is described as precautionary.
What the company and regulators said
Spring & Mulberry said it voluntarily recalled lot 025255 to protect public health after a third‑party laboratory flagged a possible Salmonella signal during routine testing. The company and the FDA described the recall as proactive and limited to that specific lot.
See the company recall posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the official notice and details.
How consumers can identify the recalled bars
The recalled bars come in teal packaging, are 2.1 ounces, labeled 72% cacao, and bear Lot No. 025255 on the back of the outer box and the inner wrapper. If you are unsure whether your product is affected, check the lot code before consuming.
Where the bars were sold
Products from the affected lot were sold nationwide, including online (such as Amazon) and at select retailers starting Sept. 15, 2025. The company is contacting distributors and retailers to remove inventory from shelves and warehouses.
News coverage of distribution and retail removals is available from Fox Business.
Health risks from Salmonella contamination
Salmonella infection can cause fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. Symptoms typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after exposure. Most healthy people recover in 4–7 days, but young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems can develop severe or life‑threatening illness.
Seek immediate medical attention for severe symptoms such as high fever (102°F or higher), bloody diarrhea, prolonged vomiting, or signs of dehydration.
No illnesses reported so far
As of the recall announcement, there have been no confirmed illnesses linked to the recalled product. The action is precautionary and stems from routine testing rather than a cluster of reported cases.
How to get a refund
Spring & Mulberry requests that consumers email recalls@springandmulberry.com with a photo of the lot code (showing 025255) to receive refund instructions. Do not ship recalled product back unless instructed. ABC News and other outlets reported the company refund procedure and the photo requirement.
see coverage from ABC News.
How this recall fits into wider food‑safety activity
The FDA has been active with recent recalls involving Listeria and foreign‑material concerns; the Spring & Mulberry action is consistent with routine testing and proactive measures to limit public exposure to potential hazards.
Recent reporting on similar enforcement actions is available via Fox Business.
Reporting and company response
Media requests for additional comment received limited responses; the company posted the voluntary recall notice and provided the refund pathway. Journalists asked for more detail but no immediate further comment was available at the time of reporting.
Investigative questions raised
“How was the contamination signal detected? Were other lots tested? What controls are in place at Spring & Mulberry? How quickly were distributors and retailers alerted?”
These are questions regulators, the company and independent investigators may pursue in follow‑up reviews. The company’s public notice confirms only the affected lot and the voluntary precautionary action.
Implications for Fresno, California
Economic: Fresno specialty and natural‑food retailers should check inventory for teal‑packaged 72% bars and remove lot 025255 if present; short‑term refund or replacement costs are possible.
Political & social: Local public health officials may issue guidance; community clinics and food pantries should screen donations and avoid distributing recalled items. Residents relying on neighborhood alerts should expect recall notices to circulate widely.
Practical steps for Fresno residents
- Check any Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf bars for teal packaging and lot 025255.
- If you have the recalled lot, do not eat it; dispose of it safely or follow refund instructions.
- Email recalls@springandmulberry.com with a photo of the lot code for refund directions; do not return items to stores unless instructed.
- If you or someone in your household develops symptoms consistent with Salmonella, contact your health care provider or local public health department promptly.
Related reporting and sources
- Original recall notice — U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Fox Business coverage
- ABC News coverage
- Consumer Reports coverage
- AARP coverage
For Fresno residents, local stores and health providers: check inventories, share clear guidance with customers and patients, and contact the company or the FDA if you need more details about the recall.
