chocolate bar recall

Expanded Nationwide Chocolate Bar Recall: What Canadian Consumers Need to Know About Salmonella Risks

As Valentine’s Day approaches, a significant food safety alert has emerged that should be on the radar of every Canadian chocolate lover. A popular brand of premium chocolate bars has expanded its voluntary recall due to potential Salmonella contamination, a move initiated after routine testing revealed concerning results. This isn't just a minor hiccup; it involves a pathogen capable of causing severe foodborne illness, prompting health authorities and the manufacturer to urge consumers to check their pantries immediately.

The recall, centered on products from Spring & Mulberry, a North Carolina-based company, has grown in scope since it was first announced in mid-January 2026. While the primary distribution is within the United States, the nature of modern commerce—cross-border online shopping and specialty food imports—means Canadian consumers, particularly those who purchase American artisanal brands, could be affected. This article breaks down the verified facts, the timeline of events, and what this means for consumers in Canada.

The Core of the Recall: A Growing List of Affected Products

The situation began with a specific flavor but has since broadened significantly. According to verified reports from major news outlets, including People and Health.com, Spring & Mulberry initially recalled its Mint Leaf chocolate bar. However, following further investigation and testing, the recall was expanded to include seven additional flavors.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been monitoring the situation closely. As reported by Health.com, the expanded recall involves products that may contain Salmonella, a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

What’s Being Recalled?

Based on official reports and the company's press release, the affected products are specific flavors of Spring & Mulberry chocolate bars. While the full list is extensive, the recall update issued on January 14, 2026, confirmed the expansion beyond the initial Mint Leaf flavor.

Consumers are advised to look for the following identifiers on their chocolate bars: * Brand: Spring & Mulberry * Product: Various flavors of chocolate bars * Identification: Check the flavor name, lot code, and box color. The company has provided detailed lot codes in their official press release, which is accessible through the FDA’s recall database.

It is important to note that, according to reports from Martha Stewart and CNET, no illnesses have been reported to date in connection with these products. The recall is a proactive measure taken by the company following routine testing that identified the potential for contamination.

Timeline of Events: From Initial Alert to Expanded Recall

Understanding the chronology of this recall helps clarify its current scope. The situation has developed rapidly over a short period.

• January 12, 2026: Spring & Mulberry issues its initial press release, announcing a voluntary recall of the Mint Leaf chocolate bar due to potential Salmonella contamination identified through routine testing.
• January 14, 2026: The company updates its press release, expanding the voluntary recall. This expansion includes seven additional flavors, bringing the total number of affected products to eight. This update was reported by multiple sources, including the FDA and news outlets like People.
• Mid-to-Late January 2026: Major news publications, including Health.com and Martha Stewart, begin reporting on the expanded recall, highlighting the risk of fatal infections and the timing just ahead of Valentine's Day, a peak season for chocolate sales.

This timeline reflects a company responding to internal testing results and regulatory guidance, moving quickly to broaden the recall to ensure public safety.

Contextual Background: The Seriousness of Salmonella in Food Products

While chocolate is often associated with indulgence and celebration, it is also a food product that, like any other, carries a risk of contamination if not handled correctly during production. Salmonella is a type of bacteria that is a common cause of food poisoning.

Why is Salmonella Concerning?

Salmonella infections (salmonellosis) can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. While most people recover without treatment, the infection can be severe and even life-threatening for certain vulnerable groups. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that children under five, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious illness.

The presence of Salmonella in a product like chocolate is particularly concerning because chocolate is often consumed directly from the package without cooking, which would typically kill bacteria. Contamination can occur at various stages, from the sourcing of raw ingredients (like cocoa beans) to the manufacturing process. Routine testing, as was the case here, is a critical safety net designed to catch these issues before they reach the consumer.

The Brand's Stance

Spring & Mulberry has emphasized that this is a voluntary recall. In their official statement, they expressed a commitment to consumer safety, stating that the decision to expand the recall was made out of an abundance of caution. This approach aligns with industry best practices, where transparency and swift action are paramount in maintaining consumer trust, even in the face of a challenging situation.

Immediate Effects: Regulatory Action and Consumer Guidance

The immediate impact of this recall is felt most acutely by consumers who may have purchased these specific chocolate bars. The FDA has issued clear guidance for anyone in possession of the affected products.

What Should Consumers Do?

If you have purchased Spring & Mulberry chocolate bars, particularly between the dates of the initial and expanded recalls, here are the recommended steps: 1. Check the Product: Compare your chocolate bar’s flavor, lot code, and packaging against the official recall notice published by the FDA. The notice includes a detailed list of the eight affected flavors and their corresponding lot codes. 2. Do Not Consume: The FDA explicitly advises consumers not to eat the affected products due to the risk of serious illness. 3. Dispose or Return: You can either dispose of the product safely or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Many retailers will honor returns for recalled items, even without a receipt, given the public health nature of the recall. 4. Monitor for Symptoms: If you have consumed a recalled product, watch for symptoms of Salmonella infection. If you experience fever, diarrhea, or abdominal cramps, contact a healthcare provider immediately.

Retailer and Regulatory Response

Retailers who stock Spring & Mulberry products are likely removing the affected items from shelves. The FDA continues to oversee the recall process, ensuring that the company’s actions are effective and that information is disseminated to the public promptly. This regulatory oversight is a key component of the U.S. food safety system, designed to protect consumers from widespread health risks.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Chocolate Industry and Consumers

This recall, while specific to one brand, highlights broader themes in the food industry and offers lessons for consumers.

A Reminder of the Importance of Food Safety

Food recalls are a standard part of the global food supply chain. They are not necessarily an indicator of gross negligence but rather a sign that safety protocols—such as routine testing—are functioning as intended. The fact that Spring & Mulberry identified the issue through their own testing and voluntarily expanded the recall demonstrates a commitment to safety. For consumers, this event reinforces the importance of paying attention to recall notices, which are regularly updated by agencies like the FDA and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Future Outlook

For Spring & Mulberry, the path forward will likely involve a thorough review of their supply chain and manufacturing processes to identify and rectify the source of the contamination. Once the issue is resolved and verified by regulatory bodies, they can resume normal operations. For the broader chocolate industry, this serves as a case study in the importance of robust quality control, especially for artisanal brands that may have less standardized processes than large-scale manufacturers.

As a consumer in Canada, it is always wise to stay informed. While this specific recall is centered in the U.S., similar events can occur anywhere. Regularly checking the CFIA website for food recall warnings is a good habit. Furthermore, when purchasing imported goods, especially from online marketplaces, verifying that the product has not been subject to a recall is an extra step that can safeguard your health.

In conclusion, the expanded recall of Spring & Mulberry chocolate bars is a developing story that underscores the critical role of food safety testing and transparent communication. While the risk of severe illness is present, the proactive steps taken by the manufacturer and regulatory agencies are designed to mitigate that risk. For now, the best course of action for any Canadian who has these specific chocolate bars is to check the lot codes, avoid consumption, and stay tuned to official sources for any further updates.