Ghirardelli Recalls Powdered Beverage Mixes Over Potential Salmonella Contamination

SAN LEANDRO, CA (April 28, 2026) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced that Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is voluntarily recalling certain powdered beverage mixes due to the potential presence of Salmonella. According to the FDA, the recall was initiated after a supplier issue involving contaminated milk powder used in the products. Regulators said the affected items were distributed primarily to food service and institutional customers, though some may have reached consumers via e-commerce.

Ghirardelli recall: quick summary

Ghirardelli has recalled multiple powdered beverage mixes after discovering a potential Salmonella contamination risk linked to a milk powder ingredient sourced from a third-party supplier. The FDA confirmed that no illnesses have been reported so far. The affected products include large-format frappe mixes, hot cocoa powders, and sweet ground powders with various lot numbers and best-by dates extending into 2028. Consumers and businesses are advised not to use the products and to contact the company for further instructions.

What happened?

The FDA said Ghirardelli Chocolate Company initiated the recall after discovering that milk powder supplied by California Dairies, Inc. (used as an ingredient in its beverage mixes) may be contaminated with Salmonella. The company told regulators it identified the issue after a supplier recall and then launched a broader investigation into affected finished products.

Ghirardelli announced the recall on April 27, 2026, in coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The affected items include chocolate and vanilla frappe mixes, hot cocoa powders, and white chocolate beverage bases packaged in bulk formats such as 30-pound bags and multi-pound pouches. The company distributed some of these products nationwide through food service channels and may have sold others online.

In its recall alert, the FDA warned that “Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.”

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	Best by date	Issue	Distribution
Ghirardelli	Chocolate Flavored Frappe	30 lb	May–Aug 2027	Salmonella	U.S. (nationwide)
Ghirardelli	Classic White Frappe	30 lb	July 2027	Salmonella	U.S.
Ghirardelli	Premium Hot Cocoa Bulk Pouch	4/2 lb	May–June 2027	Salmonella	U.S.
Ghirardelli	Sweet Ground Powder (various types)	6/3 lb+	2027–2028	Salmonella	U.S.

What caused the issue?

According to the FDA notice, the recall stems from potential contamination of milk powder supplied by a third party. Salmonella can cause serious infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms may include fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream and lead to life-threatening conditions such as endocarditis or arterial infections. The agency confirmed that no illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall so far.

Here’s what you should do

• Do not consume any of the recalled powdered beverage mixes
• Check product packaging for matching lot numbers and best-by dates
• Dispose of the product safely or return it according to company guidance
• Contact Ghirardelli at 1-844-776-0419 (24/7) for refunds or questions

Behind the brand

Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, based in California, is a well-known manufacturer of premium chocolate products and beverage mixes, serving both retail and food service markets. Founded in 1852, the company has built a reputation for quality and innovation in chocolate production.

The company’s recall notice states that it has “ceased distribution of the affected product” and is working closely with regulators to address the issue. Source86 reached out to Ghirardelli for additional comment, but has not yet received a response.

Other relevant recalls

This recall follows a pattern of ingredient-related food safety issues across the industry, particularly involving dairy-based inputs. Similar recalls in recent months have highlighted how upstream supplier contamination can affect multiple downstream products. Recent examples include Costco’s recall of meatloaf and mashed potatoes meals over Salmonella risk, Elite Treats’ recall of chicken chips for dogs due to potential contamination, and dietary supplement recalls such as Ambrosia Brands’ Rosabella moringa capsules and Why Not Natural’s organic moringa green superfood, both linked to possible Salmonella presence.

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, said:

“Food safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about trust. Every recall reminds us how vital it is to maintain transparency, rigorous checks, and supplier accountability.”

Regulatory context

This recall reflects a broader trend of supplier-linked contamination events impacting multiple brands. As global supply chains grow more complex, regulators and companies alike are placing greater emphasis on traceability and ingredient verification to prevent widespread recalls.

Ensuring safe eats

This incident underscores the importance of rigorous supplier oversight and proactive quality assurance in the food industry. While no illnesses have been reported, the recall highlights how quickly risks can emerge through shared ingredients.

Consumers should remain vigilant by checking recalled products and following FDA guidance. Companies, meanwhile, must continue strengthening supply chain transparency and testing protocols.

At Source86, we help food brands manage ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, and private label production with transparency and precision, so supply chains can respond quickly when recalls occur. Contact us.