Key Highlights
- Spring & Mulberry expands its recall of all 12 product lines due to potential salmonella contamination.
- The affected date ingredient batch is identified as the likely source of the contamination by federal regulators.
- No illnesses linked to the recalled products have been reported, but consumers are advised not to consume them.
Spring & Mulberry’s Chocolate Recall: A Cautionary Tale in Ingredients and Trust
Spring & Mulberry, a company known for its sweetened chocolate bars with dates as the primary ingredient, has hit another rough patch. This time, it’s not just a few flavors but their entire product lineup that is under scrutiny.
The Scope of the Recall
On May 10, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced an expanded recall for all twelve chocolate products made by Spring & Mulberry. This move comes after a preliminary investigation identified a specific batch of date ingredients as the likely source of salmonella contamination.
Previously, only eight flavors were affected, but the latest update includes the Blood Orange, Coffee, Pure Dark, and Sea Salt varieties, bringing the total to twelve. The first recall was initiated in January 2026, involving flavors like Mint Leaf, Earl Grey, Lavender Rose, Mango Chili, Mixed Berry, Mulberry Fennel, Pecan Date, and Pure Dark Minis.
Background on the Contamination
The FDA states that all products included in this recall have tested negative for Salmonella. Despite this, no illnesses linked to these chocolate bars have been reported as of now. The implicated date ingredient batch numbers are extensive—ranging from 025217 to 026014.
The affected products were available nationwide online and through select retail partners since August 2025. Consumers who purchased any of the listed items are advised to dispose of them immediately and seek a refund by emailing [email protected] with a photo of the product packaging showing the batch code.
Industry Perspective on Risk Management
This recall highlights the critical importance of rigorous ingredient sourcing and quality control in the food industry. Companies like Spring & Mulberry must ensure that every component used in their products is safe, especially when dealing with ingredients known to carry contamination risks.
The incident also underscores the challenges faced by smaller companies with niche markets, as they may not have the same robust supply chain management systems as larger corporations. For Spring & Mulberry, this could be a significant blow to consumer trust and sales.
Industry veterans might think this is new, but it’s not.
This scenario has played out countless times before in various industries. The key lesson here is that every ingredient matters, and companies must remain vigilant at all stages of production.
So, when you’re savoring a chocolate bar, remember to check the date codes. And for Spring & Mulberry, it’s time to get their act together or risk losing more than just a few flavors.
