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- April 28, 2026 — The FDA published Ghirardelli Chocolate Company’s recall of certain powdered beverage mixes after a California Dairies, Inc. milk powder recall raised concerns about possible Salmonella contamination in an ingredient supplied to a third-party manufacturer and used in the affected mixes [1].
What Is the Risk?
A. What Is It
The recall involves specific Ghirardelli powdered beverage mixes. The products were packaged largely in bulk formats intended for food service and institutional customers, though the recall notice stated that some products may also have been available to consumers through e-commerce platforms.
The recalled products include several bulk beverage mixes, including:
- 30 lb Chocolate Flavored Frappe
- 30 lb Classic White Frappe
- 4/2 lb Premium Hot Cocoa Pouch Bulk
- 6/3 lb Chocolate & Cocoa Sweet Ground Powder
- 6/3.12 lb White Chocolate Flavored Sweet Ground Powder
- 6/3 lb Vanilla Frappe Mix
- 6/3.12 lb Chocolate Flavored Frappe Mix
- 6/3.12 lb Classic White Frappe Mix
- 10 lb Chocolate Flavored Frappe Mix
- 10 lb Classic White Frappe Mix
- 6/3.12 lb White Mocha Frappe Mix
- 6/3.12 lb Mocha Frappe Mix
- 6/3.12 lb Frozen Hot Cocoa Frappe Mix
B. How Exposure Happens
Exposure may occur if a recalled powdered beverage mix is prepared and consumed as a drink or used as an ingredient in a food service setting. Because many of the products were sold in large formats, exposure could involve restaurants, cafes, institutions, or consumers who purchased the products online.
Ghirardelli stated that the recall followed a California Dairies, Inc. milk powder recall involving possible Salmonella contamination. That milk powder was supplied to a third-party manufacturer and used as an ingredient in the recalled beverage mixes.
C. Health Effects
Salmonella can cause serious foodborne illness. Common symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Young children, frail or elderly people, and individuals with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious and sometimes fatal infection. In rare cases, Salmonella can enter the bloodstream and cause more severe complications, including arterial infections, endocarditis, or arthritis.
D. Who Is Liable
- Manufacturers involved in producing or packaging the recalled beverage mixes
- Ingredient suppliers connected to the recalled milk powder
- Third-party manufacturers involved in the affected mix production
- Distributors, institutions, retailers, or e-commerce sellers, where legally applicable
Do I Qualify?
- Did you purchase or consume a recalled Ghirardelli powdered beverage mix?
- Was the product one of the affected lot numbers or Best if Used By dates listed in the recall?
- Did you or a family member develop symptoms consistent with Salmonella infection?
- Did the illness require medical care, testing, hospitalization, or time away from work?
- Do you still have packaging, invoices, receipts, photos, or medical records?
If you answered YES to 2 or more questions, you may have a valid claim.
Notable Recalls & Legal Actions
| Product / Substance | Year | Action Type | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ghirardelli Powdered Beverage Mixes | 2026 | Recall | Active | Multiple bulk beverage mix products with specified lot numbers and Best if Used By dates |
Results vary. Past outcomes do not guarantee future results.
Legal Process
| Step | What Happens | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Consultation | An attorney reviews the product, exposure history, illness timeline, and available proof. | Same day – 1 week |
| 2. Investigation | Packaging, invoices, receipts, food service records, and medical records are gathered. | 4–12 weeks |
| 3. File Claim | A claim or lawsuit may be filed if the evidence supports liability and damages. | 1–3 months |
| 4. Discovery | The parties exchange evidence about product manufacturing, ingredient supply, and illness records. | 6–18 months |
| 5. Resolution | Many claims settle, while some proceed toward trial. | 1–3 years total |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Ghirardelli products were recalled?
The recall involved specific Ghirardelli powdered beverage mixes, including frappe mixes, hot cocoa bulk pouches, sweet ground powders, and related bulk beverage products.
Were any illnesses reported?
No illnesses had been reported at the time of the recall announcement.
What should consumers do now?
Consumers and businesses should check product names, lot numbers, and Best if Used By dates against the recall notice. Recalled products should not be used or served.
What evidence should I keep?
Helpful evidence may include product packaging, lot codes, invoices, receipts, online order records, food service records, medical records, and lab test results.
References
- https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ghirardelli-chocolate-company-recalls-powdered-beverage-mixes-because-possible-health-risk
- https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/signs-symptoms/index.html
- https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborne-pathogens/salmonella-salmonellosis