Nationwide Chocolate Bar Salmonella Recall: Spring & Mulberry Pulls Mint Leaf Bars (lot #025255) After Third‑Party Test
Spring & Mulberry of Raleigh has voluntarily recalled its Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened Chocolate Bars (lot #025255) nationwide after routine third‑party testing flagged possible Salmonella; consumers should not eat affected bars and may request refunds.
Key takeaways
- Product: Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf Date‑Sweetened Chocolate Bar, 2.1‑ounce, 72% cacao, teal packaging — FDA recall notice, ABC News, Fox Business.
- Scope: Limited to lot No. 025255; no other Spring & Mulberry products reported affected — Consumer Reports, AARP.
- Action: Do not eat; dispose of product and email a photo of the lot code to recalls@springandmulberry.com for a refund.
- Health: No illnesses reported to date; recall is precautionary after a third‑party lab test.
What we found: testing, scope and packaging
Spring & Mulberry said it initiated a voluntary recall for lot #025255 after a routine third‑party laboratory test detected a possible Salmonella contamination. The company told regulators it is removing potentially affected product from commerce while investigators follow up. See the FDA recall notice for official details.
Packaging details: The product uses distinctive teal outer packaging labeled “Spring & Mulberry” and “Mint Leaf.” The lot code — #025255 — appears on the back of the box and on the inner flow wrap around each bar. Consumers should check both the box and the inner wrapper before discarding or requesting a refund (see reporting by Fox Business and ABC News).
Where the bars were sold
The recalled bars were sold nationwide online — including marketplaces such as Amazon — and at select specialty retailers beginning Sept. 15, 2025. Because sales included online channels, the potential exposure is geographically broad despite being limited to a single lot. Media reporting noting distribution includes Fox Business, ABC News, and AARP.
Health risks from Salmonella and symptoms to watch for
Salmonella infection can cause fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps. Symptoms commonly appear 6 hours to 6 days after exposure. Most healthy adults recover in 4–7 days, but young children, older adults and immunocompromised people are at higher risk of severe illness. Seek medical care for persistent or severe symptoms, including high fever (≥102°F), bloody stools or signs of dehydration. (Guidance summarized from Consumer Reports and AARP.)
What consumers should do now (including lot #025255 refund)
- Do not eat or serve the product. If you still have it, dispose of it in a sealed bag or container to prevent accidental consumption (Fox Business, ABC News).
- Check packaging for lot #025255 on the back of the box and the inner flow wrap (reports: Fox Business).
- Request a refund: Email recalls@springandmulberry.com with a clear photo of the lot code and purchase details if available (instructions reported by ABC News and AARP).
- Seek care if you develop symptoms consistent with Salmonella after consuming the product and tell your provider about possible exposure (Consumer Reports).
Company response and media outreach
Spring & Mulberry described the recall as a proactive, voluntary measure taken after the third‑party lab result. The company has said little beyond the recall announcement; the FDA notice serves as the primary public advisory with refund instructions.
“The company is acting to protect public health by removing potentially affected product from commerce while the matter is investigated.”
Context: other recent FDA alerts
This recall arrives amid other federal food‑safety notices — including Listeria alerts for cheese and frozen‑food recalls for foreign materials — though no link has been found between those incidents and the Spring & Mulberry recall. The cluster of notices has increased consumer attention to label checks and retailer accountability (coverage referenced from Fox Business).
Investigative notes on testing and traceability
Key points: third‑party testing can detect hazards before illnesses occur, and clear lot codes speed recalls and refunds. In this case, routine third‑party testing flagged the issue, enabling the company and the FDA to act before any reported illnesses — a demonstration of effective traceability (see FDA notice).
Implications for Huntington Beach, California
Huntington Beach residents and local businesses that stock artisanal chocolate should verify inventory and notify customers if they sold bars from lot #025255. Online orders shipped to the area are included; shoppers should check pantries and mail‑order histories.
Economic and retail impact
Specialty food shops, cafes and independent grocers may need to remove affected inventory, process refunds and reassure customers. Owners should check stock and lot codes promptly to reduce disruption and preserve customer trust (sources: Fox Business, ABC News).
Public health and local healthcare
Although no illnesses are reported nationally, local clinics and hospitals should be aware in case patients present with Salmonella‑like symptoms. Vulnerable populations — seniors and immunocompromised residents — should be alerted through public‑health channels and caregiving networks (Consumer Reports).
Political and regulatory perspective for conservative readers
Balance: the recall highlights how private firms, independent labs and regulators can collaborate to limit risk while minimizing burdens on small businesses. Practical, transparent measures — clear lot codes, prompt testing and swift communication — support consumer protection without heavy‑handed mandates (FDA notice: FDA recall notice).
Practical steps for Huntington Beach residents
- Check pantries and online order histories for Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf bars purchased since Sept. 15, 2025; look for lot #025255 on the box or inner wrap (Fox Business).
- Dispose of any affected product in a sealed bag and request a refund by emailing recalls@springandmulberry.com with a photo of the lot code (ABC News).
- If you or someone in your household becomes ill with symptoms, seek medical care and tell the provider about possible exposure (Consumer Reports).
Reporting and follow‑up
The FDA recall page will be updated if new information emerges. Consumers with questions should monitor the FDA notice and contact Spring & Mulberry via recalls@springandmulberry.com for refund instructions and further guidance. Local media and public‑health offices are advised to continue outreach to at‑risk groups.
