It is the ultimate comfort food, the go-to gift for a loved one, or the little reward you give yourself after a long week. But for North Carolina shoppers, that simple bar of chocolate is currently under a cloud of suspicion. A major voluntary recall has hit one of the region’s most beloved artisanal brands, and the risk isn’t just a bad taste—it is Salmonella. Honestly, it is heartbreaking to think that a high-end, date-sweetened treat that we buy for its health-conscious profile could actually be a source of serious illness. Today, we are exposing why these chocolate recall alerts are surging and what residents from Raleigh to Charlotte need to look for in their candy drawer right now.
The Spring & Mulberry Salmonella Situation
Here is the truth: the Raleigh-based company Spring & Mulberry has significantly expanded its 2026 recall to include nearly their entire line of date-sweetened chocolate bars. What started as a small alert for one flavor has spiraled into a multi-state safety event because routine testing found Salmonella in the finished product.
Let us be real, when a high-end brand has a breakdown like this, it is usually due to a contaminated raw ingredient—like the dates or nuts—that was processed on shared equipment. For seniors or those with young kids, a Salmonella infection isn’t just a stomach ache; it can lead to high fevers and serious long-term complications. The company is doing the right thing by being transparent, but the product is likely still sitting in gift baskets and pantries across the state.
On the other hand, the company has been incredibly proactive, issuing these chocolate recall alerts and offering full refunds to anyone affected. Surprisingly, no illnesses have been officially reported yet, but because Salmonella can survive in the high-fat environment of chocolate for a long time, the risk remains until every bar is accounted for.
If you have those distinct teal or purple boxes of Mint Leaf, Mango Chili, or Earl Grey chocolate, you need to check the lot codes starting with #025 immediately. Why would you risk a week of illness for a five-dollar bar of chocolate? It is a classic case of an artisanal product facing industrial-scale risks. If your code matches, don’t just throw it away—take a photo and get your refund. It is the only way to hold the supply chain accountable.
The Hidden Complexity of Gourmet Candy
Let us be real about why we are seeing more of these chocolate recall alerts from ’boutique’ brands lately. North Carolina has a booming gourmet food scene, and we love supporting our local makers, but as these businesses grow, they often have to use ‘co-packers’ or shared commercial kitchens.
Surprisingly, a small brand might have perfect sanitation in their own shop, but if the facility that grinds their cocoa or dates also handles contaminated products, the entire batch is ruined. This is a growing pain for the industry, and it means that ‘local’ doesn’t always mean ‘safe’ without your own due diligence. The teal and purple branding we’ve come to trust in NC boutiques is currently a red flag that requires a lot-code check.
That said, the news of these recalls often moves slower in small boutiques than it does in a big-box store like Walmart. If you bought your chocolate at a small local gift shop, they might not have the automated systems to call you and let you know about the danger.
Transitioning from being a passive shopper to an informed one is the only way to protect yourself. Have you checked the ‘lot’ numbers on the back of your treats lately? It is a tiny detail that makes a massive difference in your health. Why take a gamble on a ‘gourmet’ infection when the information you need to stay safe is right on the wrapper? It is time to be as picky about your safety as you are about your flavor profiles.
Taking Action and Getting Your Refund
Honestly, you shouldn’t feel bad about asking for your money back. When chocolate recall alerts are issued, the manufacturer has already set aside funds to handle the returns—it is a standard part of doing business.
By reaching out to the company with your lot code, you aren’t just getting a refund; you are providing them with vital data on where their contaminated products ended up. This helps them fix the problem so it doesn’t happen again. Are you willing to take two minutes to send an email and save yourself a massive headache? It is an empowering move that keeps the local food scene healthy and transparent. Don’t let a bad batch ruin your love for artisanal sweets—just stay informed.
Sweet Treats Without the Risk
The latest chocolate recall alerts are a vital reminder that even our most cherished treats require a bit of skepticism. While we celebrate North Carolina’s incredible makers, we have to recognize that the modern food system is full of hidden risks, from shared equipment to contaminated raw materials.
By checking your lot codes and staying connected to safety updates, you can enjoy your gourmet treats with total peace of mind. You deserve a reward that is both delicious and safe for your family. Take a moment to audit your chocolate stash today—it is the smartest thing you can do for your health and your sweet tooth. Safe snacking is the only way to go in 2026.
Did you find any of these Raleigh-based bars in your stash? Tell us where you bought them so we can warn other local shoppers in the comments!
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The post Chocolate Recall Alerts: What North Carolina Shoppers Should Know in 2026 appeared first on Budget and the Bees.
