NC Firm Recalls Flavored Chocolate Bars After Contract Manufacturer Finds Salmonella in Product

Spring & Mulberry is voluntarily recalling various types of  flavored Chocolate Bar (2.1 oz) due to possible contamination with Salmonella.  The potential for contamination was first noted after routine third-party testing conducted by the company’s contract manufacturer revealed finished product tested positive for Salmonella.  The recall was initially for the Mint Leaf Date Sweetened Chocolate Bar (2.1 oz) but that recall was expanded five days later to include additional flavors.

There have been no confirmed illnesses or adverse health effects reported to date.  The affected products were available for purchase online and through select retail partners nationwide since September 15, 2025.

Food entrepreneurs who build a brand relying on co-manufacturers live and die by quality and food safety systems of that co-man.  I always recommend that someone from the organization take training to understand the technical elements of making safe quality product and then ensure that the co-mans are compliant.  With that, requiring co-mans to have 3rd party certification is a big part of that picture, but then reviewing the food safety plan with its preventive control elements to ensure the necessary elements have been determined and are being properly implemented. 


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/spring-mulberry-expands-voluntary-recall-select-chocolate-bars-due-possible-salmonella-contamination
Spring & Mulberry Expands Voluntary Recall of Select Chocolate Bars Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/spring-mulberry-expands-voluntary-recall-select-chocolate-bars-due-possible-salmonella-contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 14, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  January 15, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness - Salmonella
Company Name:  Spring & Mulberry
Brand Name:  Spring & Mulberry
Product Description:  Multiple Flavors of Chocolate Bars

NJ Distributor Recalls Shrimp Paste For Elevated Lead Levels Which Resulted in Injury

Gusto Group Inc. of Paterson, NJ is recalling [Klong Kone] Shrimp Paste (Klong Kone) '454 G. (1 LBS)' and ‘910 G. (2 LBS)’ because it has the potential to be contaminated with elevated levels of lead.

To date, there has been one report of four children becoming ill, which involved diarrhea and elevated blood levels. This recall was initiated following this report of illness associated with consumption of the product. The FDA collected product samples from retail locations and lab analysis found that the finished products contained elevated levels of lead. The company has ceased distribution of this lot. 

The recalled [Klong Kone] Shimp Paste (Klong Kone) “454 G. (1 LBS)” and “910 G. (2 LBS),” is packaged in a white plastic jar with a red cap was directly distributed to the two retailers listed below, located IA and NJ , between April 2023 to December 2023 There were no online sales


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/gusto-group-inc-recalls-shrimp-paste-klong-kone-454-g-1-lbs-and-910-g-2-lbs-because-possible-health
Gusto Group Inc. Recalls Shrimp Paste (Klong Kone) ‘'454 G. (1 LBS)’ and ‘910 G. (2 LBS)’ because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 08, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  January 08, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Metal Contaminant - Lead
Company Name:  Gusto Group Inc.
Brand Name:  Klong Kone
Product Description:  Klong Kone Shrimp Paste

Connecticut Facility Recalls Hummus Products Due to Undeclared Sesame

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Food and Standards Division is warning the public that Carrot Top Country Kitchens LLC, DBA Carrot Top Kitchens of Bridgeport (formerly Redding), is recalling 5 varieties of hummus due to undeclared sesame.

The recalled products were distributed to Rochambeau Farm Store (Bedford, NY). The product has also been sold at farmers markets in Connecticut.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/carrot-top-kitchens-bridgeport-formerly-redding-issues-class-ii-recall-hummus-containing-undeclared
Carrot Top Kitchens of Bridgeport (formerly Redding) Issues a Class II Recall of Hummus Containing Undeclared Sesame
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 06, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  January 07, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential or Undeclared Allergen – Sesame
Company Name:  Carrot Top Kitchens
Brand Name:  Carrot Top Kitchens
Product Description:  Hummus Varieties

CA Company Expands Recall of Tamale Products Due to Improper Processing

Primavera Nueva Inc., Sonoma, CA, is expanding its recall of its 4-count tamales because of an undercooking process condition of the products resulting in the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The expanded recall includes additional products.  The initial recall was posted on December 17, 2025.

The issue was that the products were sold as ready-to-heat, which is really ready-to-eat, but an ingredient used in the product had to be fully cooked first, but was not when the tamale product was made.  

"The products were made with a frozen ingredient labeled “Not Ready to Eat. Must Be Thoroughly Cooked Before Eating.” During an FDA inspection on October 10, 2025, the agency determined that earlier production records did not consistently verify internal cooking temperatures needed to control potential biological hazards, including Listeria monocytogenes".

So while Listeria was not actually detected in the product, it is a risk, as would other pathogens such as Salmonella.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/primavera-nueva-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-select-4-count-tamales-because-possible-health-risk-0
Primavera Nueva Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Select 4-Count Tamales Because of Possible Health Risk- Revised to Include Roasted Pumpkin & White Cheddar, a Seasonal Item
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 05, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  January 07, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Primavera Nueva Inc.
Brand Name:  Primavera
Product Description:  Tamales

CA Importer Recalls Mustard Product Due to Undeclared Wheat

Newway Import Inc., located in La Puente, CA 91744, is recalling “Preserved Mustard in Soybean Oil” (Brand: Cai Hua Xiang) because the product may contain undeclared wheat.  The recalled product is Cai Hua Xiang brand preserved mustard in soybean oil.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the product contained wheat but was distributed in packaging that did not declare wheat as an allergen.

The ingredient statement includes soy sauce which usually contains wheat.  The wheat was not declared on the label.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/newway-import-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-wheat-preserved-mustard-soybean-oil-la-puente

Newway Import Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat in “Preserved Mustard in Soybean Oil” La Puente, Calif. – December 23, 2025
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 23, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  January 05, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared wheat
Company Name:  Newway Import Inc.
Brand Name:  Newway Import
Product Description:  Preserved mustard in soybean oil

Warning Letter Issued to Feed Mill for Excessive Mycotoxins in Feed That Led to Animal Deaths

FDA issued a Warning Letter to King Farm, Dover, DE, a manufacturer of non-medicated animal food, after a series of deaths to horses and a goat promoted an FDA investigation. "This inspection was initiated after FDA became aware of at least 30 horse deaths and potentially one goat death after consuming your animal food products that were contaminated with the mycotoxin fumonisin."

FDA found levels ranging from 18 to 36 ppm in the feed, while the limit for horses is 5ppm.

Having excessive levels of the toxin in the feed, FDA identified that the company did not have any practices in place to prevent it. FDA stated the operation "did not have procedures in place, conduct routine testing, or have any processes in place to determine whether mycotoxins such as fumonisin, aflatoxin, or deoxynivalenol (DON/vomitoxin) are present at levels that can cause injury or illness to animals or humans in these grain and grain co-products you receive, store, and use in your animal food products."

In addition, the company "failed to report a reportable food to the Reportable Food Registry (RFR) within twenty-four hours of determining that it is a reportable food (i.e., an animal food for which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, such animal food will cause serious adverse health consequences or death to animals). Failure to submit a required reportable food report is a prohibited act."

What are fumonisins and what is allowed in feed (FDA https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/guidance-industry-fumonisin-levels-human-foods-and-animal-feeds)

Fumonisins are environmental toxins produced by the molds Fusarium moniliforme (F. verticillioides), F. proliferatum, and other Fusarium species that grow on agricultural commodities in the field or during storage. These mycotoxins have been found as contaminants worldwide, mainly in corn. More than ten types of fumonisins have been isolated and characterized. Of these, fumonisin B1 (FB1), fumonisin B2 (FB2), and fumonisin B3 (FB3) are the major fumonisins produced in nature. The most prevalent of these mycotoxins in contaminated corn is FB1, which is believed to be the most toxic (1, 2).

Occurrence in Raw Corn - The extent of contamination of raw corn with fumonisins varies with geographic location, agronomic and storage practices, and the vulnerability of the plants to fungal invasion during all phases of growth, storage, and processing. The levels of fumonisins in raw corn are also influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall during pre-harvest and harvest periods (3). High levels of fumonisins are associated with hot and dry weather, followed by periods of high humidity. High levels of fumonisins may also occur in raw corn that has been damaged by insects (4, 5). Further, fumonisin levels in raw corn can increase under improper storage conditions. For example, optimal growth of fumonisin-producing molds that lead to increased levels of fumonisins in raw corn can occur when the moisture content of harvested raw corn during storage is 18-23 percent (5).

Animal Feeds

Corn and corn by-products intended for: Total Fumonisins (FB1+FB2+FB3)

Equids (horses) and rabbits 5 ppm  (no more than 20% of diet)**

Swine and catfish 20 ppm  (no more than 50% of diet)**

Breeding ruminants, breeding poultry and breeding mink* 30 ppm (no more than 50% of diet)**

Ruminants > 3 months old being raised for slaughter and mink being raised for pelt production 60 ppm  (no more than 50% of diet)**

Poultry being raised for slaughter 100 ppm  (no more than 50% of diet)**

All other species or classes of livestock and pet animals 10 ppm  

(no more than 50% of diet)**

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/king-farm-713276-12042025
WARNING LETTER

King Farm
MARCS-CMS 713276 — December 04, 2025

Idaho Establishment Recalls Raw Ground Beef After FSIS Testing Finds E. coli O26

Mountain West Food Group, LLC, a Heyburn, Idaho establishment, is recalling approximately 2,855 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O26.  The problem was discovered during routine FSIS testing and the sampling results showed the presence of E. coli O26.

"E. coli O26, like the more common E. coli O157:H7, is a serovar of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). People can become ill from STECs 28 days (average of 34 days) after exposure to the organism.....The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart."

The product was shipped to distributors in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Washington for further distribution for retail sales.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/mountain-west-food-group-llc-recalls-ground-beef-products-due-possible-e--coli-o26
Mountain West Food Group, LLC Recalls Ground Beef Products Due To Possible E. Coli O26 Contamination
Mountain West Food Group LLC
FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Dec. 27, 2025 – Mountain West Food Group, LLC, a Heyburn, Idaho establishment, is recalling approximately 2,855 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O26, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Iowa Distributor Recalls Pet Treats After Testing Finds Salmonella

Consumers Supply Distributing, LLC of Sioux City, Iowa is recalling 4 lb. bags of Country Vet Biscuits – Original Meaty Flavor and 4 lb. bags of Heartland Harvest Dog Biscuits – Meaty Flavor with Chicken because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the FDA which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the lot number as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.

The recalled products were sold through retail stores in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Montana and Nebraska.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/consumers-supply-distributing-llc-recalls-country-vet-biscuits-dogs-due-possible-salmonella-health
Consumers Supply Distributing, LLC Recalls Country Vet Biscuits for Dogs Due to Possible Salmonella Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 24, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  December 24, 2025
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Food & Beverages  Pet Food
Reason for Announcement:   Potential to be contaminated with Salmonella
Company Name:  Consumers Supply Distributing, LLC
Brand Name:  Country Vet, Heartland Harvest
Product Description:  Dog Biscuits

Minnesota Firm Recalls Macadamia Nut Frozen Cookie Dough for Undeclared Peanuts

Gregory’s Foods, Inc. of Eagan, MN is recalling its 2-pound 8.5-ounce packages of "Bag Full of Cookies" White Chocolate Macadamia Nut frozen cookie dough because some units may contain undeclared Peanut. Frozen Monster Cookie Dough, which contains Peanut, may be packaged in a bag that is labeled as White Chocolate Macadamia Nut.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the peanut-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of peanuts.  
The error was isolated to certain units in one day’s production and has been corrected.

The recalled "Bag full of Cookies" White Chocolate Macadamia Nut frozen cookie dough was distributed in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Nebraska in retail grocery stores and through distribution centers.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/gregorys-foods-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-peanuts-bag-full-cookies-white-chocolate-macadamia
Gregory’s Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanuts in "Bag Full of Cookies" White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Frozen Cookie Dough
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 23, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  December 23, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared peanuts
Company Name:  Gregory's Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  Gregory's Foods
Product Description:  Bag Full of Cookies White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Frozen Cookie Dough