Food safety recalls are never taken lightly, especially when they involve products marketed as natural or specialty foods. In January 2026, Spring & Mulberry, a North Carolina–based chocolate company, announced an expanded voluntary recall of several date-sweetened chocolate products due to possible Salmonella contamination. The recall affects consumers across the United States and has raised concerns about food safety, manufacturing oversight, and consumer awareness.
This article explains what the recall involves, which products are affected, what Salmonella is, who is most at risk, and what steps consumers should take if they purchased the recalled chocolates.
On January 14, 2026, Spring & Mulberry expanded a voluntary recall after routine third-party testing detected possible Salmonella contamination in finished chocolate products. The recall was later publicized through a HealthDay report and an official U.S. Food and Drug Administration notice.
The chocolates were sold online and through select retail stores nationwide beginning September 15, 2025. While no illnesses have been reported so far, health authorities stress that consumers should not eat any of the affected products.
Salmonella is a potentially dangerous bacteria that can cause serious illness, particularly in children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems.
According to Spring & Mulberry, the contamination was discovered after a contract manufacturer conducted routine quality testing. The testing identified Salmonella in finished products rather than raw ingredients, which prompted immediate action.
Voluntary recalls like this are common when companies identify a potential health risk before confirmed illnesses occur. This approach helps reduce harm and demonstrates compliance with FDA food safety regulations.
The FDA continues to monitor the situation and has advised consumers to follow recall instructions carefully.
Consumers are advised not to eat any of the following chocolate products, regardless of appearance or smell. The lot code can be found on the back of the package and inside the wrapper.
Recalled products include:
If you purchased any of these products, you should dispose of them immediately.
Salmonella is a type of bacteria commonly linked to foodborne illness. It can contaminate a wide range of foods, including raw produce, eggs, meat, dairy, and processed foods like chocolate.
Symptoms typically begin six hours to six days after exposure and may include:
Most people recover without medical treatment within four to seven days. However, symptoms can be severe in certain populations.
In rare cases, Salmonella can spread beyond the digestive system and enter the bloodstream. This can lead to infections in the bones, joints, brain, or other organs. Hospitalization may be required, and untreated cases can become life-threatening.
While anyone can get Salmonella, some groups are more vulnerable to severe illness, including:
These individuals should be especially cautious and avoid any recalled food products.
If you believe you purchased any of the recalled Spring & Mulberry chocolates, take the following steps immediately:
Customers can request a refund or replacement by emailing recalls@springandmulberry.com and including a photo of the lot code.
If you or someone in your household develops symptoms of Salmonella after consuming chocolate products, contact a healthcare provider promptly.
Many consumers assume chocolate is low risk for bacterial contamination due to its low moisture content. However, Salmonella can survive for long periods in dry foods, including chocolate.
Contamination can occur through:
This recall highlights the importance of strict food safety protocols, even for shelf-stable products.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration oversees food safety and works with manufacturers when contamination is detected. While Spring & Mulberry issued a voluntary recall, the FDA publishes recall notices and provides guidance to consumers.
The FDA encourages consumers to stay informed by checking recall alerts regularly and reporting adverse health effects related to food products.
As of January 27, 2026, Spring & Mulberry has stated that no illnesses linked to the recalled chocolates have been reported. This suggests the recall was initiated early, which may have prevented potential outbreaks.
Still, public health officials emphasize that absence of reported illness does not eliminate risk, especially since symptoms may take days to appear.
Food recalls happen more often than many people realize. To protect yourself and your family:
Being proactive can significantly reduce your risk of foodborne illness.
The Spring & Mulberry chocolate recall serves as a reminder that even premium and specialty foods are not immune to contamination risks. While no illnesses have been reported, consumers should take the recall seriously and follow disposal and refund instructions carefully.
Food safety depends on both manufacturers and consumers staying alert. If you have recalled products in your home, act quickly to protect your health.
This article is for informational purposes only. Statistical and medical information reflects general trends and does not apply to every individual. Always seek personalized advice from a qualified healthcare professional regarding medical symptoms, diagnoses, or treatment decisions.
