chocolate recall

Nationwide Chocolate Recall: What Canadian Consumers Need to Know About the Spring & Mulberry Alert

By CA News Desk
Updated: January 2026

In a development that has sent ripples through the confectionery aisle, a popular specialty chocolate brand has issued a nationwide recall due to potential health risks. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall of Spring & Mulberry’s Mint Leaf Date Sweetened Chocolate Bar, citing possible Salmonella contamination. While the recall is U.S.-led, the implications for Canadian consumers are significant, particularly given the interconnected nature of North American retail supply chains and the presence of the brand in Canadian markets via online platforms and cross-border shopping.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the situation, analyzing verified reports from the FDA and major news outlets to offer a clear picture of what happened, what the risks are, and what chocolate lovers in Canada should do next.

The Core Issue: A Sweet Treat with a Potential Bitter Aftertaste

The central narrative revolves around Spring & Mulberry, a North Carolina-based company known for its date-sweetened, organic chocolate bars. On January 12, 2026, the company voluntarily recalled one specific lot of its Mint Leaf Date Sweetened Chocolate Bar (2.1-ounce size).

According to official reports from ABC27 and Health.com, the recall was initiated after routine testing revealed the potential presence of Salmonella, a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

The significance of this event extends beyond a simple product withdrawal. It highlights the persistent challenges in food safety protocols within the chocolate industry—an industry where the raw ingredients (cocoa, dates, mint) are often sourced globally and processed in facilities that handle numerous allergens and potential contaminants.

"The company is voluntarily recalling one lot of its Mint Leaf Date Sweetened Chocolate Bar due to possible Salmonella contamination." — FDA Notice, as reported by ABC27

Recent Updates: Timeline of the Recall

To understand the scope of this event, it is essential to look at the verified timeline of events as reported by trusted sources.

• January 12, 2026: The recall is officially filed with the FDA. The affected product is identified as Lot #025255.
• January 13–14, 2026: Major news outlets, including Newsweek and Health.com, pick up the story, amplifying the warning to a national audience.
• Mid-January 2026: Retailers, including Whole Foods and Amazon, begin pulling the specific lot number from shelves and digital storefronts. Costco Canada also issued statements regarding refunds for affected members, confirming the product's reach into the Canadian market.

The recall is currently classified as a "voluntary" action by the company, though it was done in cooperation with the FDA. The specific trigger was the detection of the pathogen, prompting an immediate halt to distribution and a consumer retrieval effort.

Contextual Background: Why Salmonella in Chocolate?

While chocolate is often viewed as a shelf-stable, low-risk food, it is not immune to contamination. Salmonella is typically associated with raw poultry, eggs, and unpasteurized milk, but it can persist in dry environments for long periods.

The "Low-Lead" Connection

Interestingly, supplementary research points to Spring & Mulberry being marketed as a "low-lead" chocolate company. This is a critical piece of context. In recent years, consumer advocacy groups have raised concerns about heavy metals (like lead and cadmium) in chocolate. Companies that prioritize low heavy metal testing often attract health-conscious consumers. However, the focus on heavy metals does not preclude the need for rigorous pathogen testing.

This recall serves as a stark reminder that food safety is a multi-faceted issue. A brand can excel in one area of safety (heavy metals) while facing challenges in another (bacterial contamination).

Broader Industry Patterns

This incident is not an isolated event in the chocolate world. The industry has seen several recalls over the years due to: 1. Salmonella: Often traced back to contaminated raw ingredients like nuts or milk powder. 2. Allergen Mislabeling: Undeclared peanuts or tree nuts are a common culprit. 3. Foreign Objects: Plastic or metal fragments.

For Canadian consumers, who often import specialty goods from the U.S., this serves as a reminder to stay vigilant regarding cross-border recalls. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) often mirrors U.S. recalls, but there can be a delay in reporting.

Immediate Effects: Health Risks and Consumer Action

The immediate impact of this recall is centered on public health and consumer confidence.

The Health Implications

Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) can cause the following symptoms: * Diarrhea * Fever * Stomach cramps * Nausea and vomiting

Symptoms usually begin 6 hours to 6 days after infection and last 4 to 7 days. While most people recover without treatment, severe cases may require hospitalization.

As noted in reports from Newsweek, individuals who have consumed the product and are experiencing adverse symptoms have been advised to seek medical attention immediately.

What Canadian Consumers Should Do

If you have purchased Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf Date Sweetened Chocolate Bars recently, particularly through online retailers like Amazon or cross-border shopping services:

1. Check the Lot Number: The recall specifically affects Lot #025255. Check the packaging for this number.
2. Do Not Consume: If you have the product, do not eat it.
3. Refunds and Returns:
   • Costco Canada: If purchased through Costco.ca or a physical location, members are eligible for full refunds. Return the product to the warehouse or contact customer service.
   • Amazon: Contact Amazon customer service for a refund if purchased via Amazon.com (US) or Amazon.ca.
   • Other Retailers: Contact the retailer directly.

Future Outlook: Navigating the Aftermath

As the dust settles on this specific recall, several outcomes and strategic implications emerge for the industry and consumers.

1. Increased Scrutiny on Niche Brands

Spring & Mulberry is a niche, "better-for-you" brand. This recall challenges the perception that premium or organic products are inherently safer regarding bacterial contamination. Going forward, consumers may demand more transparency regarding facility sanitation and pathogen testing, not just nutritional profiles.

2. Regulatory Tightening

The FDA’s swift action in publicizing this recall suggests a continued trend toward aggressive post-market surveillance. We can expect food manufacturers to invest more heavily in "test-and-hold" protocols, where products are tested for pathogens before being released to the market.

3. Consumer Behavior Shifts

For Canadian consumers, this incident reinforces the importance of checking the CFIA Recall Database before purchasing imported goods. While the buzz volume for this specific recall is currently moderate (around 2,000 searches), the trust deficit created by such events can have a long tail. Consumers may pivot toward brands that offer "batch transparency," allowing them to trace the exact origin of their chocolate bars via QR codes.

4. The Resilience of the Chocolate Market

Despite the recall, the chocolate market remains robust. However, companies will likely be more cautious with "innovative" ingredients (like date paste or fresh mint infusions) in high-risk environments. The balance between "clean label" ingredients and rigorous food safety standards will be the defining challenge for chocolate makers in 2026.

Conclusion: A Moment for Caution, Not Panic

The recall of Spring & Mulberry’s Mint Leaf Chocolate Bar is a serious event that warrants attention, but it is also a demonstration of the food safety system working as intended. The voluntary nature of the recall and the rapid reporting by the FDA and news outlets like Health.com and ABC27 allowed for a quick response.

For Canadians, the primary takeaway is to check your pantries for Lot #025255. While the temptation of mint and dark chocolate is strong, the risk of Salmonella is not worth the gamble. By staying informed through verified sources and acting promptly on refund instructions, consumers can navigate this recall safely and continue to enjoy their favorite treats with confidence in the future.