Certification Programs
Darling International is committed to the continual improvement of the safety and consistency of our products. As with all renderers in the U.S., we are subject to state and federal government regulations and inspection; however, Darling takes our dedication to product safety beyond regulatory requirements. We are developing an internal system of programs which create a plant environment where safe products can be produced and are implementing controls at specific points in the process where potential hazards can be prevented, eliminated or reduced to acceptable levels.

To advance improvements and validate our progress, eligible Darling plants participate in industry programs sponsored by the Animal Protein Producers Industry (APPI). Employees from Darling plants receive continuing education on practices that successfully reduce potential risks associated with microbial contamination. In addition, participants regularly sample and monitor indicator microbe levels in rendered proteins as a means to validate the proper operation of their process controls.

Darling facilities also participate in the APPI Code of Practice which consists of a minimum set of industry standards designed to promote the safe production of rendered animal fats and proteins. Once product safety programs have been designed, implemented and validated, participating plants are audited by the Facility Certification Institute for compliance. This is a dynamic process requiring continual revisions as regulations, potential hazards that are likely to occur and markets change. To support this effort, Darling operates one of the best-equipped and staffed laboratories in the rendering industry.

Below is a listing of our facilities and their corresponding certifications.