Ghirardelli Recalls Chocolate Products Over Salmonella Concerns

Ghirardelli Chocolate Company has issued a voluntary recall for several of its products due to potential salmonella contamination, sparking nationwide concern among consumers. The recall, announced late Tuesday, affects specific lots of dark chocolate and baking chips sold across major U.S. retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Amazon.

The FDA confirmed the recall after routine testing detected salmonella in a production batch at Ghirardelli’s California facility. No illnesses have been reported yet, but health officials warn that contaminated chocolate can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, especially in children and immunocompromised individuals.

Affected products include 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Chips (11.5 oz bags) and Dark Chocolate Premium Baking Bars (4 oz). Consumers are urged to check lot numbers on the company’s website or return products for a full refund. The recall has gained traction on social media, with shoppers sharing frustration over discarded holiday baking supplies.

Ghirardelli, a subsidiary of Swiss confectionery giant Lindt & Sprüngli, assured customers that the issue is isolated and that enhanced safety measures are being implemented. This marks the second major chocolate recall in the U.S. this year, following Hershey’s cocoa powder recall in February.

Retailers have pulled the flagged items from shelves, but some may still be in home pantries. The CDC advises disposing of any recalled products or returning them to the point of purchase. The recall is trending as consumers scramble to verify their purchases ahead of spring baking season.