DARLING INGREDIENTS INC

Previous wording

•We are highly dependent on natural gas, diesel fuel and electricity, the price of which can be volatile, and such dependency could materially adversely affect our business;

Current wording

•We are highly dependent on natural gas, diesel fuel and electricity, the prices of which can be volatile, and such dependency could materially adversely affect our business;

Previous wording

•Our operations are subject to various laws, rules and regulations including those relating to the protection of the environment and to health and safety, and we could incur significant costs to comply with these requirements or be subject to sanctions or held liable for environmental damages;

Current wording

•Our operations are subject to various laws, rules and regulations including those relating to the protection of the environment and to health and safety, and we could incur significant costs to comply with these requirements or be subject to sanctions or held liable for damages, including environmental damages;

Previous wording

•Our business may be affected by the impact of animal related disease, such as BSE and other food safety issues;

Current wording

•Our business may be affected by the impact of animal related disease, such as BSE, and by other food safety issues;

Previous wording

•Certain U.S. multiemployer defined benefit pension plans to which we contribute are underfunded and these plans may require minimum funding contributions;

Current wording

•Certain U.S. multiemployer defined benefit pension plans to which we contribute are underfunded and these plans may require minimum funding contributions or we may be subject to liabilities due to a termination of, or our withdrawal from, such plans;

Previous wording

•Increased information technology security threats and more sophisticated computer crime pose a risk to our systems, networks, products and services, while data privacy laws continue to proliferate presenting heightened regulatory risk;

Current wording

•Increased information technology security threats and more sophisticated computer crime pose a risk to our systems, networks, products and services, while data privacy and cybersecurity laws continue to proliferate presenting heightened regulatory risk;

Previous wording

Our principal finished products in our Feed Ingredients segment include MBM, PM, BFT, YG, PG, BBP and hides, which are commodities. We also manufacture and sell a number of other products that are derived from animal by-products and many of which are commodities or compete with commodities. The prices of these commodities are quoted on, or derived from prices quoted on, established commodity markets. Accordingly, our results of operations will be affected by fluctuations in the prevailing market prices of these finished products or of other commodities that may be substituted for our products by our customers. Historically, market prices for commodity grains, fats and food stocks have fluctuated in response to a number of factors, including global changes in supply and demand resulting from changes in local and global economic conditions, global government agriculture programs, energy policies of U.S. and foreign governments, and international agricultural trading policies, the impact of disease outbreaks on protein sources and the potential effect on supply and demand, as well as weather conditions during the growing and harvesting seasons. While we seek to mitigate the risks associated with price declines, a significant decrease in the market price of any of our products or of other commodities that may be substituted for our products would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flow. Furthermore, rapid and material changes in finished goods prices, including competing agricultural-based alternative ingredients, generally have an immediate and, often times, material impact on the Company’s gross margin and profitability resulting from the brief lapse of time between the procurement of the raw materials and the sale of the finished goods. Increases in the market prices of raw materials would require us to raise prices for our premium, value-added and branded products to avoid margin deterioration. There can be no assurance as to whether we could implement future price increases in response to increases in the market prices of raw materials or how any such price increases would affect future sales volumes to our customers. Our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected in the future by this volatility. Furthermore, an increased preference by meat processors for alternative feed ingredients, such as all vegetable diets in the case of poultry producers, could negatively impact the prices of certain of our finished products which would need to be sold to alternative markets and destinations.

Current wording

Our principal finished products in our Feed Ingredients segment include MBM, PM, BFT, YG, PG, BBP and hides, which are commodities. We also manufacture and sell a number of other products that are derived from animal by-products and many of which are commodities or compete with commodities. The prices of these commodities are quoted on, or derived from prices quoted on, established commodity markets. Accordingly, our results of operations will be affected by fluctuations in the prevailing market prices of these finished products or of other commodities that may be substituted for our products by our customers. Historically, market prices for commodity grains, fats and food stocks have fluctuated in response to a number of factors, including global changes in supply and demand resulting from changes in local and global economic conditions, global government agriculture programs, energy policies of U.S. and foreign governments, and international agricultural trading policies, the impact of disease outbreaks on protein sources and the potential effect on supply and demand, as well as weather conditions during the growing and harvesting seasons. While we seek to mitigate the risks associated with price declines, a significant decrease in the market price of any of our products or of other commodities that may be substituted for our products would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flow. Furthermore, rapid and material changes in finished goods prices, including competing agricultural-based alternative ingredients, generally have an immediate and, often times, material impact on the Company’s gross margin and profitability resulting from the lapse of time between the procurement of the raw materials and the sale of the finished goods. Increases in the market prices of raw materials would require us to raise prices for our premium, value-added and branded products to avoid margin deterioration. There can be no assurance as to whether we could implement future price increases in response to increases in the market prices of raw materials or how any such price increases would affect future sales volumes to our customers. Our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected in the future by this volatility. Furthermore, an increased preference by meat processors for alternative feed ingredients, such as all vegetable diets in the case of poultry producers, could negatively impact the prices of certain of our finished products which would need to be sold to alternative markets and destinations.

Previous wording

The Company’s Fuel Ingredients segment, which converts fats and oils into renewable diesel, organic sludge and food waste into biogas, and fallen stock into low-grade energy sources, is impacted by world energy prices for oil, electricity and natural gas, as well as potential competition from the adoption of non-rendered feedstock in biodiesel markets.

Current wording

The Company’s Fuel Ingredients segment, which converts fats and oils into renewable diesel, SAF, organic sludge and food waste into biogas, and fallen stock into low-grade energy sources, is impacted by world energy prices for oil, electricity and natural gas, as well as potential competition from the adoption of non-rendered feedstock in biofuel markets.

Previous wording

The rendering industry is highly fragmented and both the rendering and bakery residual industries are very competitive. We compete with other rendering businesses and alternative methods of disposal of animal by-products, bakery residue and used cooking oil provided by trash haulers, waste management companies and biodiesel companies, as well as the alternative of illegal disposal. See Item 1. “Competition.” In addition, U.S. restaurants experience theft of used cooking oil, the frequency and magnitude of which increases with the rise in value of used cooking oil. Depending on market conditions, we either charge a collection fee to offset a portion of the cost incurred in collecting raw material, collect on a no pay/no charge basis or will pay for the raw material. To the extent suppliers of raw materials look to alternate methods of disposal, whether as a result of our collection fees being deemed too expensive, the payments we offer being deemed too low or otherwise, our raw material supply will decrease and our collection fee revenues will decrease, which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the amount of raw material acquired, which has a direct impact on the amount of finished goods produced, can also have a material effect on our gross margin reported, as the Company has a substantial amount of fixed operating costs. In addition, we utilize an extensive vehicle fleet to collect and transport raw material, for which we compete with other industries for qualified drivers. The U.S. has been experiencing a growing shortage of truck drivers. Our failure to hire and retain a sufficient number of truck drivers to operate our fleet could negatively impact our ability to collect and transport raw material in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Current wording

The rendering industry is highly fragmented and both the rendering and bakery residual industries are very competitive. We compete with other rendering businesses and alternative methods of disposal of animal by-products, bakery residue and used cooking oil provided by trash haulers, waste management companies and biofuel companies, as well as the alternative of illegal disposal. See Item 1. “Competition.” In addition, U.S. restaurants experience theft of used cooking oil, the frequency and magnitude of which increases with the rise in value of used cooking oil. Depending on market conditions, we either charge a collection fee to offset a portion of the cost incurred in collecting raw material, collect on a no pay/no charge basis or pay for the raw material. To the extent suppliers of raw materials look to alternate methods of disposal, whether as a result of our collection fees being deemed too expensive, the payments we offer being deemed too low or otherwise, our raw material supply and/or collection fee revenues will decrease, which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the amount of raw material acquired, which has a direct impact on the amount of finished goods produced, can also have a material effect on our gross margin reported, as the Company has a substantial amount of fixed operating costs. In addition, we utilize an extensive vehicle fleet to collect and transport raw material, for which we compete with other industries for qualified drivers. The U.S. has been experiencing a growing shortage of truck drivers. Our failure to hire and retain a sufficient number of truck drivers to operate our fleet could negatively impact our ability to collect and transport raw materials in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Previous wording

A majority of the Company’s U.S. volume of animal by-product raw materials, including all of its significant U.S. poultry accounts, and substantially all of the Company’s U.S. bakery feed raw materials, are acquired on a “formula basis,” which allow us to adjust our costs of materials based on changes in the price of our finished products, and are in most cases set forth in contracts with our suppliers, generally with multi-year terms. The formulas provided in these contracts are reviewed and modified during the term and at renewal of the contracts to maintain acceptable risk allocations between us and our suppliers related to movements in commodity prices. Changes to these formulas or the inability to renew such contracts could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. A majority of the Company’s Canadian volume of animal by-product raw materials are acquired based on prices fixed on a monthly basis with suppliers, with the remaining portion acquired on a “formula basis.” A majority of Darling Ingredients International’s volume of animal by-product raw materials are acquired at spot or quarterly fixed prices.

Current wording

A majority of the Company’s U.S. volume of animal by-product raw materials, including its significant U.S. accounts, and substantially all of the Company’s U.S. bakery feed raw materials, are acquired on a “formula basis,” which allows us to adjust our costs of materials based on changes in the price of our finished products, and are in most cases set forth in contracts with our suppliers. Such contracts generally provide for multi-year terms. The formulas provided in these contracts are reviewed and modified during their term and upon renewal of the contracts to maintain acceptable risk allocations between us and our suppliers related to movements in commodity prices. Changes to these formulas or the inability to renew such contracts could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. A majority of the Company’s Canadian volume of animal by-product raw materials are acquired on a monthly fixed-price basis with suppliers, while the remainder are acquired on a “formula basis.” A majority of Darling Ingredients International’s volume of animal by-product raw materials are acquired at spot or quarterly fixed prices.

Previous wording

Joint Venture has completed several expansion projects, and it currently operates the DGD St. Charles Plant and the DGD Port Arthur Plant. As of December 30, 2023, under the equity method of accounting, we had an investment in the DGD Joint Venture of approximately $2.2 billion included on the consolidated balance sheet. There is no assurance that the DGD Joint Venture will continue to be profitable or allow us to continue to make a return on our investment.

Current wording

In January 2011, Darling, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into a limited liability company agreement (as subsequently amended, the “DGD LLC Agreement”) with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Valero to form the DGD Joint Venture, which was formed to design, engineer, construct and operate the DGD St. Charles Plant. Since that time, the DGD Joint Venture has completed several expansion projects and currently operates the DGD St. Charles Plant and the DGD Port Arthur Plant. As of December 28, 2024, under the equity method of accounting, we had an investment in the DGD Joint Venture of approximately $2.2 billion included on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. There is no assurance that the DGD Joint Venture will continue to be profitable or allow us to continue to make a return on our investment.

Previous wording

DGD’s operations are conducted through a joint venture with Valero. Accordingly, we share control with our joint venture partner over certain economic, legal and business interests of DGD, who may have economic, business, orlegal interests, opportunities, or goals that are inconsistent with or different from our opportunities, goals, and interests, or may have different liquidity needs or financial condition characteristics than our own, be subject to different legal or contractual obligations than we are, or be unable to meet their obligations. For instance, while we share certain management rights with our joint venture partner under the DGD LLC Agreement, we do not have full control of every aspect of DGD’s business and certain significant decisions concerning DGD, including, among others, the acquisition or disposition of assets above a certain value threshold, making certain changes to DGD’s business plan, raising debt or equity capital, DGD’s distribution policy, and entering into particular transactions, also require certain approvals from our joint venture partner. Failure by us or our joint venture partner to adequately manage the risks associated with DGD, and any differences in views among us and our joint venture partner could prevent or delay actions that are in the best interests of us or the DGD Joint Venture and could have a material adverse effect on our, or the DGD Joint Venture’s, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. Furthermore, our equity in net income of DGD, which is based on our 50% interest in the unconsolidated earnings of the standalone DGD financial statements, may not always match our joint venture partner’s consolidated results and presentation.

Current wording

DGD’s operations are conducted through a joint venture with Valero. Accordingly, we share control with our joint venture partner over certain economic, legal and business interests of DGD, who may have economic, business, orlegal interests, opportunities, or goals that are inconsistent with, or different from, our opportunities, goals, and interests, or may have different liquidity needs or financial condition characteristics than our own, be subject to different legal or contractual obligations than we are, or be unable to meet their obligations. For instance, while we share certain management rights with our joint venture partner under the DGD LLC Agreement, we do not have full control of every aspect of DGD’s business and certain significant decisions concerning DGD, including, among others, the acquisition or disposition of assets above a certain value threshold, making certain changes to DGD’s business plan, raising debt or equity capital, DGD’s distribution policy, and entering into particular transactions, also require certain approvals from our joint venture partner. Failure by us or our joint venture partner to adequately manage the risks associated with DGD and any differences in views among us and our joint venture partner could prevent or delay actions that are in the best interests of us or the DGD Joint Venture and could have a material adverse effect on our, or the DGD Joint Venture’s, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. Furthermore, our equity in net income of DGD, which is based on our 50% interest in the unconsolidated earnings of the standalone DGD financial statements, may not always match our joint venture partner’s consolidated results and presentation. In addition, the DGD LLC Agreement limits our ability to freely transfer or sell our interest in the DGD Joint Venture.

Previous wording

The DGD Joint Venture is dependent on governmental energy policies and programs, such as the National Renewable Fuel Standard Program (“RFS”) and low carbon fuel standards (“LCFS”) (such as in the state of California), which positively impact the demand for and price of renewable diesel. Any changes to, a failure to enforce or a discontinuation of any of these programs could have a material adverse effect on the DGD Joint Venture. See the section entitled“Risk Factors-Risks Related to the Company-Our biofuels business may be affected by energy policies of U.S. and foreign governments.” Additionally, there may be new entrants into the renewable fuels industry or new technologies developed that could meet demand for lower-carbon transportation fuels and modes of transportation in a more efficient or less costly manner than our technologies and products, which could also have a material adverse effect on the DGD Joint Venture. For instance, several other companies have made, or announced interest in making, investments in renewable diesel projects. Should these projects develop, the DGD Joint Venture would face competition from them for feedstocks and customers, which could strain margins on the products it sells and limit the growth and profitability of the DGD Joint Venture. It is not possible at this time to predict the ultimate form, timing, or extent of any such developments; however, a reduction in the demand for the DGD Joint Venture’s products as a result of any of the foregoing events could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity.

Current wording

The DGD Joint Venture is dependent on governmental energy policies and programs, such as the National Renewable Fuel Standard Program (“RFS”) and low carbon fuel standards (“LCFS”) (such as in the state of California), which positively impact the demand for and price of renewable diesel. Any changes to, a failure to enforce or a discontinuation of any of these programs could have a material adverse effect on the DGD Joint Venture. See the section entitled“Risk Factors-Risks Related to the Company-Our renewable energy businesses may be affected by energy policies around the world.” Additionally, there may be new entrants into the renewable fuels industry or new technologies developed that could meet demand for lower-carbon transportation fuels and modes of transportation in a more efficient or less costly manner than our technologies and products, which could also have a material adverse effect on the DGD Joint Venture. For instance, several other companies have made, or announced interest in making, investments in renewable diesel projects. Should these projects develop, the DGD Joint Venture would face competition from them for feedstocks and customers, which could strain margins on the products it sells and limit the growth and profitability of the DGD Joint Venture. It is not possible at this time to predict the ultimate form, timing, or extent of any such developments; however, a reduction in the demand for the DGD Joint Venture’s products as a result of any of the foregoing events could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity.

Previous wording

DGD’s renewable diesel plants are its principal operating assets and are subject to planned and unplanned downtime and interruptions. Its operations could also be subject to significant interruption if one of its plants were to experience a major accident or mechanical failure, be damaged by severe weather or natural disasters (such as hurricanes) or man-made disasters (such as cybersecurity incidents or acts of terrorism), or otherwise be forced to shut down or curtail operations. If any of its plants, or related pipeline or terminal, were to experience an interruption in operations, our earnings could be materially and adversely affected (to the extent not recoverable through insurance) because of lost productivity and repair and other costs.

Current wording

DGD’s production plants are its principal operating assets and are subject to planned and unplanned downtime and interruptions. Its operations could also be subject to significant interruption if one of its plants were to experience a major accident or mechanical failure, be damaged by severe weather or natural disasters (such as hurricanes) or man-made disasters (such as cybersecurity incidents or acts of terrorism), or otherwise be forced to shut down or curtail operations. If any of its plants, or related pipeline or terminal, were to experience an interruption in operations, our earnings could be materially and adversely affected (to the extent not recoverable through insurance) because of lost productivity and repair and other costs.

Previous wording

•the unanticipated breakdown or failure of equipment or processes, including any unforeseen issues that may arise in connection with the operation of the DGD Facilities or completion and startup of any expansion or capital projects, such as the SAF capital project currently underway at the DGD Port Arthur Plant, or the possibility of equipment failure as a result of materials degradation;

Current wording

•the unanticipated breakdown or failure of equipment or processes, including any unforeseen issues that may arise in connection with the operation of the DGD Facilities or completion and startup of any expansion or capital projects or the possibility of equipment failure as a result of materials degradation;

Previous wording

•the inaccuracy of our assumptions about prices for the renewable diesel that the DGD Joint Venture currently produces and the SAF that the DGD Joint Venture will produce upon completion of the SAF capital project;

Current wording

•the inaccuracy of our assumptions about prices or demand for the renewable diesel or SAF that the DGD Joint Venture produces;

Previous wording

•difficulty in obtaining and maintaining permits and other regulatory issues, potential license revocation and changes in legal requirements;

Current wording

•difficulties in obtaining and maintaining permits and other regulatory issues, potential license revocations and changes in legal requirements;

Previous wording

•the risk that one or more competitive new renewable diesel plants are constructed that use different technologies from the DGD Joint Venture and result in the marketing of products that are more effective as a substitute for carbon-based fuels or less expensive than the products marketed by the DGD Joint Venture;

Current wording

•the risk that one or more competitive new renewable diesel or SAF plants are constructed that use different technologies from the DGD Joint Venture and result in the marketing of products that are more effective as a substitute for carbon-based fuels or less expensive than the products marketed by the DGD Joint Venture;

Previous wording

•disruptions in the ability of the pipelines, vessels, or railroads to transport feedstocks or products because of weather events (such as hurricanes), accidents, derailment, collision, fire, explosion, governmental regulations, or third-party actions;

Current wording

•disruptions in the ability of the pipelines, vessels, or railroads to transport feedstocks or products because of weather events (such as hurricanes), accidents, derailment, collision, fire, explosion, government regulations, or third-party actions;

Previous wording

Markets and/or prices for our biofuels, biogases and green electricity, including those of DGD, may be impacted by worldwide government policies relating to renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions (“GHG”). Programs like RFS and LCFS and tax credits for biofuels both in the United States and abroad are subject to revision and change which may impact the demand for our finished products. Furthermore, support from renewable identification numbers (“RINs”), LCFS credits, and other government programs play an important role in the makeup of margins for DGD, and we are exposed to the volatility in the market price of RINs, LCFS credits, and other credits. We cannot predict the future prices of RINs, LCFS credits or other credits, nor can we predict changes or continued implementation of policies that support these programs.

Current wording

Markets and/or prices for our biofuels, biogases and green electricity, including those of DGD, may be impacted by government policies around the world relating to renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions (“GHG”). Programs like RFS and LCFS and tax credits for biofuels both in the United States and abroad are subject to revision and change which may impact the demand for our finished products. Furthermore, support from renewable identification numbers (“RINs”), LCFS credits, and other government programs play an important role in the makeup of margins for DGD, and we are exposed to the volatility in the market price of RINs, LCFS credits, and other credits. We cannot predict the future prices of RINs, LCFS credits or other credits, nor can we predict changes or continued implementation of policies that support these programs.

Previous wording

In December of 2019, the blender tax credit was extended for calendar years 2020, 2021, and 2022 at $1.00 per gallon. In August of 2022, as part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the blender tax credit was extended as is until December 31, 2024. As a blender, the DGD Joint Venture has recorded approximately $1,236.2 million of blender tax credits for fiscal 2023, with Darling's portion equaling 50%. After 2024, the Clean Fuels Production Credit (CFPC) becomes effective from 2025 through 2027. Under the CFPC, non-aviation transportation fuel receives a credit equal to either $0.20/gallon or $1.00/gallon multiplied by the fuel’s emission reduction percentage. In order to receive the $1.00 per gallon baseline, the fuel must be produced at a qualifying facility that must meet prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements. In contrast to the blender tax credit, the CFPC requires that production must take place in the United States. Under the CFPC, sustainable aviation fuel receives a credit equal to either $0.35/gallon or $1.75/gallon multiplied by the fuel’s emission reduction percentage. In order to receive the $1.75 per gallon baseline, the fuel must be produced at a qualifying facility that must meet prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements, and production must take place in the United States. While in fiscal 2023, the amount of tax credits for biofuels impacting the Company was material, legal challenges or changes to, a failure to enforce, reductions in the mandated volumes under, or discontinuing any of these programs could have a negative impact on our business and results of operations.

Current wording

In August of 2022, as part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the blender tax credit was extended at $1.00 per gallon until December 31, 2024. As a blender, the DGD Joint Venture has recorded approximately $1,281.7 million of blender tax credits for fiscal 2024, with Darling's portion equaling 50%. In January 2025, the Clean Fuels Production Credit (CFPC) became effective through 2027. Under the CFPC, non-aviation transportation fuel receives a credit equal to either $0.20/gallon or $1.00/gallon multiplied by the fuel’s emission reduction percentage. In order to start with the $1.00 per gallon baseline, the fuel must be produced at a qualifying facility that meets the prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements. In contrast to the blender tax credit, the CFPC requires that production must take place in the United States and the fuel must be sold in a certain manner. Under the CFPC, sustainable aviation fuel receives a credit equal to either $0.35/gallon or $1.75/gallon multiplied by the fuel’s emission reduction percentage. In order to start with the $1.75 per gallon baseline, the neat SAF must be produced in the United States at a qualifying facility that meets the prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements before being sold for use in an aircraft. In fiscal 2024, the Company’s share of tax credits for biofuels DGD produced was material to the Company, so any legal challenges or changes to, a failure to enforce, reductions in the mandated volumes under, or discontinuing any of these programs could have a negative impact on our business and results of operations.

Previous wording

We are highly dependent on natural gas, diesel fuel and electricity, the price of which can be volatile, and such dependency could materially adversely affect our business.

Current wording

We are highly dependent on natural gas, diesel fuel and electricity, the prices of which can be volatile, and such dependency could materially adversely affect our business.

Previous wording

Our operations are highly dependent on the use of natural gas, diesel fuel and electricity and a disruption in any of them could have a material adverse effect on the business and results of operations of the affected facility. We consume significant volumes of natural gas to operate boilers in our plants, which generate steam to heat raw materials, and natural gas prices represent a significant cost of facility operations included in cost of sales. We also consume significant volumes of diesel fuel to operate our fleet of tractors and trucks used to collect raw materials, and diesel fuel prices represent a significant component of cost of collection expenses included in cost of sales. Prices for both natural gas and diesel fuel can be volatile, partially due to the ongoing Russian-Ukraine war, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the inflationary environment, and therefore represent an ongoing challenge to our operating results. Although we continually manage these costs and hedge our exposure to changes in fuel prices through our formula pricing, and from time to time, derivatives, a material increase in prices for natural gas and/or diesel fuel over a sustained period of time could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. We also require a significant amount of electricity in operating certain of our facilities, a significant increase in the cost of which could have a material adverse effect on the business and results of operations of the affected facility. Additionally, the availability of natural gas, diesel fuel and electricity can be affected by numerous events such as weather (e.g., hurricanes and periods of considerable heat or cold), pipeline and other logistics interruptions, electric grid outages, cybersecurity incidents, intermittent electricity generation, hostilities, sanctions and supply and demand imbalances.

Current wording

Our operations are highly dependent on the use of natural gas, diesel fuel and electricity and a disruption in any of them could have a material adverse effect on the business and results of operations of the affected facility. We consume significant volumes of natural gas to operate boilers in our plants, which generate steam to heat raw materials, and natural gas prices represent a significant cost of facility operations included in cost of sales. We also consume significant volumes of diesel fuel to operate our fleet of tractors and trucks used to collect raw materials, and diesel fuel prices represent a significant component of cost of collection expenses included in cost of sales. Prices for both natural gas and diesel fuel can be volatile, partially due to the ongoing Russian-Ukraine war, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and other Middle Eastern conflicts or the inflationary environment, and therefore, represent an ongoing challenge to our operating results. Although we continually manage these costs and hedge our exposure to changes in fuel prices through our formula pricing, and from time to time, derivatives, a material increase in prices for natural gas and/or diesel fuel over a sustained period of time could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. We also require a significant amount of electricity in operating certain of our facilities, a significant increase in the cost of which could have a material adverse effect on the business and results of operations of the affected facility. Additionally, the availability of natural gas, diesel fuel and electricity can be affected by numerous events such as weather (e.g., hurricanes and periods of considerable heat or cold), pipeline and other logistics interruptions, electric grid outages, cybersecurity incidents, intermittent electricity generation, hostilities, sanctions and supply and demand imbalances.

Previous wording

In fiscal year 2023, the Company’s top ten customers for finished products accounted for approximately 38% of product sales. In addition, the Company’s top ten raw material suppliers accounted for approximately 27% of its raw material supply in the same period. Disruptions or modifications to, or termination of, our relationship with any of our significant suppliers or customers, or financial difficulties experienced by any of our suppliers or customers that lead to curtailment or termination of their operations, could cause our businesses to suffer significant financial losses and could have a material adverse effect on our business, earnings, financial condition and/or cash flows.

Current wording

In fiscal year 2024, the Company’s top ten customers for finished products accounted for approximately 36% of product sales. In addition, the Company’s top ten raw material suppliers accounted for approximately 26% of its raw material supply in the same period. Disruptions or modifications to, or termination of, our relationship with any of our significant suppliers or customers, or financial difficulties experienced by any of our suppliers or customers that lead to curtailment or termination of their operations, could cause our businesses to suffer significant financial losses and could have a material adverse effect on our business, earnings, financial condition and/or cash flows.

Previous wording

We conduct foreign operations in Europe, South America, Canada, Asia and Australia. While we expect that our geographical diversity reduces our exposure to risks in any one country or part of the world, it also subjects us to the various risks and uncertainties relating to international sales and operations, including:

Current wording

We conduct foreign operations in Europe, South America, Canada, Asia and Australia. While we expect that our geographical diversity reduces our exposure to risks in any one country or part of the world, it also subjects us to various risks and uncertainties relating to international sales and operations, including:

Previous wording

•imposition of tariffs, quotas, trade barriers and other trade protection measures imposed by the United States against foreign countries or by foreign countries against others regarding the importation of poultry, beef and pork products, in addition to operating, import or export licensing requirements imposed by various foreign countries;

Current wording

•imposition of tariffs, quotas, trade barriers and other trade protection measures imposed by the United States against foreign countries or by foreign countries against others regarding the importation of poultry, beef and pork products, gelatin and collagen products, fats and oils, and/or biofuels, in addition to operating, import or export licensing requirements imposed by various foreign countries;

Previous wording

•compliance with and enforcement of a wide variety of complex U.S. and non-U.S. laws, treaties and regulations, including, without limitation, anti-bribery laws such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”), the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, the Brazilian corporate anti-corruption law and similar anti-corruption legislation in many jurisdictions in which we or our joint venture partners operate, as well as economic and trade sanctions enforced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), the European Union (“EU”) and other governmental entities; and

Current wording

•compliance with, and enforcement of, a wide variety of complex U.S. and non-U.S. laws, treaties and regulations, including, without limitation, anti-bribery laws such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”), the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, anti-corruption laws of the EU Member States, the Brazilian corporate anti-corruption law and similar anti-corruption legislation in many jurisdictions in which we or our joint venture partners operate, as well as economic and trade sanctions enforced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), the European Union (“EU”) institutions, the EU Member States’ authorities, or other governmental entities; and

Previous wording

•distribution costs, disruptions in shipping or reduced availability or increased costs of freight transportation.

Current wording

•distribution costs, disruptions in shipping or reduced availability or increased costs of freight transportation, including, without limitation, due to strikes or port closures which could impact movement of raw materials and finished products.

Previous wording

These risks and uncertainties could jeopardize or limit our ability to transact business in one or more of our international markets or in other developing markets and may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. In addition, from time to time certain of our international operations make contractual prepayments to raw material suppliers in the ordinary course of business, which may subject the Company to financial risk should any such supplier experience financial difficulties or cease operations.

Current wording

These risks and uncertainties could jeopardize or limit our ability to transact business in one or more of our international markets or in other developing markets and may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. In addition, from time to time certain of our international operations make contractual prepayments to raw material suppliers in the ordinary course of business, which may subject the Company to financial risk should any such supplier experience financial difficulties, bankruptcy or cease operations.

Previous wording

There is a growing global concern that carbon dioxide and other GHG in the atmosphere may have an adverse impact on global temperatures, weather patterns and the frequency of extreme weather and natural disasters. We are subject to physical, operational, transitional and financial risks associated with climate change and global, regional and local weather conditions, as well as legal, regulatory and market responses to climate change. Certain jurisdictions in which we operate have either imposed, or are considering imposing, new or increasingly stringent legal and regulatory requirements to reduce or mitigate the potential effects of climate change, including regulation and reduction of GHG and potential carbon pricing programs. These new or increasingly stringent legal or regulatory requirements could result in significantly increased costs of compliance and additional investments in facilities and equipment, and reduced raw material supplies in areas where these requirements limit or eliminate livestock operations. While we assess climate related regulatory risks as part of our risk management process, we are unable to predict the scope, nature and timing of any new or increasingly stringent environmental laws and regulations and therefore cannot predict the ultimate impact of such laws and regulations on our business or financial results. We continue to monitor existing and proposed laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate and to consider actions we may take to potentially mitigate the unfavorable impact, if any, of such laws or regulations.

Current wording

There is a growing global concern that carbon dioxide and other GHG in the atmosphere may have an adverse impact on global temperatures, weather patterns and the frequency of extreme weather and natural disasters. We are subject to physical, operational, transitional and financial risks associated with climate change and global, regional and local weather conditions, as well as legal, regulatory and market responses to climate change. Certain jurisdictions in which we operate have either imposed, or are considering imposing, new or increasingly stringent legal and regulatory requirements to reduce or mitigate the potential effects of climate change, including regulation and reduction of GHG and potential carbon pricing programs. These new or increasingly stringent legal or regulatory requirements could result in significantly increased costs of compliance and additional investments in facilities and equipment, and reduced raw material supplies in areas where these requirements limit or eliminate livestock operations. While we assess climate related regulatory risks as part of our risk management process, we are unable to predict the scope, nature and timing of any new or increasingly stringent environmental laws and regulations and therefore cannot predict the ultimate impact of such laws and regulations on our business or financial results. We continue to monitor existing and proposed laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate and consider actions we may take to potentially mitigate the unfavorable impact, if any, of such laws or regulations.

Previous wording

Furthermore, emerging legislation seeks to regulate corporate environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) practices, including practices related to the causes and impacts of climate change as well as supply chain control and compliance with human rights. For example, in December 2022 the EU adopted Directive (EU) 2022/2464 amending Regulation (EU) No 537/2014, Directive 2004/109/EC, Directive 2006/43/EC and Directive 2013/34/EU, also known as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (“CSRD”). The new rules, which apply to all large companies and to listed small and medium-sized enterprises, require companies to report on how sustainability issues (environmental, social, and governance) affect their business and about their own impact on people and the environment. There has also been increased focus from our stakeholders, including consumers, employees and investors, on our ESG practices. We expect that stakeholder expectations with respect to ESG will continue to evolve rapidly, which may necessitate additional resources to monitor, report on, and adjust our operations. In addition, the EU is expected to adopt a Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence by Q2 2024. For in-scope companies, this Directive will impose due diligence obligations in order to identify, prevent, mitigate and remediate actual and potential adverse impacts on people and the environment. Companies will also be required to adopt and implement a climate transition plan, setting out a strategy to reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement targets.

Current wording

Furthermore, emerging legislation seeks to regulate corporate environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) practices, including practices related to the causes and impacts of climate change as well as supply chain control and compliance with human rights. For example, in December 2022 the EU adopted Directive (EU) 2022/2464 amending Regulation (EU) No 537/2014, Directive 2004/109/EC, Directive 2006/43/EC and Directive 2013/34/EU, also known as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (“CSRD”). The new rules, which apply to all large (EU and non-EU) companies with significant activities in the EU and to EU-listed small and medium-sized enterprises, require companies to report on how sustainability issues (environmental, social, and governance) affect their business and about their own impact on people and the environment. In addition, in May 2024 the EU adopted Directive (EU) 2024/1760, also known as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (“CSDDD”). The CSDDD will become gradually applicable starting in 2027 to large (EU and non-EU) companies and parent companies meeting specific thresholds. The new rules require in-scope companies to conduct risk-based due diligence in order to identify, prevent, mitigate and remediate actual and potential adverse impacts on people and the environment resulting from the operations of the company, its subsidiaries and business partners in the Company’s supply chain. In-scope companies are also required to adopt and implement a climate transition plan, setting out a strategy to reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement targets. There has also been increased focus from our stakeholders, including consumers, suppliers, employees and investors, on our sustainability and ESG practices. We expect that stakeholder expectations with respect to sustainability and ESG will continue to evolve rapidly, which may necessitate additional resources to monitor, report on, and adjust our operations.

Previous wording

The quantity of raw materials available to us is impacted by seasonal factors, including holidays, when raw material volumes decline, and cold weather, which can impact the collection of raw materials. In addition, warm weather can adversely affect the quality of raw materials processed and our yield on production due to more rapidly degrading raw materials. In addition to seasonal impacts, depending upon the location of our facilities and those of our suppliers, our operations could be subject to weather impacts, including the physical impacts of climate changes, changes in rainfall patterns, water shortages, changing sea levels, changing storm patterns and intensities and changing temperature levels. Physical damage, flooding, excessive snowfall or drought resulting from changing climate patterns could adversely impact our costs and business operations, the availability and costs of our raw materials, and the supply and demand for our end products. These effects could be material to our results of operations, liquidity or capital resources. The quality and volume of the finished products that we are able to produce could be negatively impacted by unseasonable or severe weather or unexpected declines in the volume of raw materials available during holidays, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, severe weather events may also impact our ability to collect or process raw materials or to transport finished products.

Current wording

The quantity of raw materials available to us is impacted by seasonal factors, including holidays, when raw material volumes decline, and cold weather, which can impact the collection of raw materials. In addition, warm weather can adversely affect the quality of raw materials processed and our yield on production due to more rapidly degrading raw materials. In addition to seasonal impacts, depending on the location of our facilities and those of our suppliers, our operations could be subject to weather impacts, including the physical impacts of climate changes, changes in rainfall patterns, water shortages, changing sea levels, changing storm patterns and intensities and changing temperature levels. Physical damage, flooding, excessive snowfall or drought resulting from changing climate patterns could adversely impact our costs and business operations, the availability and costs of our raw materials, and the supply and demand for our end products. These effects could be material to our results of operations, liquidity or capital resources. The quality and volume of the finished products that we are able to produce could be negatively impacted by unseasonable or severe weather or unexpected declines in the volume of raw materials available during holidays, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, severe weather events may also impact our ability to collect or process raw materials or to transport finished products.

Previous wording

Product liability or other claims, product recalls or any other events that cause consumers to no longer associate our brands or those of our customers for whom we manufacture products with high quality and safety may result in adverse publicity and negatively impact our reputation and the value of our and their brands and lead to decreased demand for our products. In addition, as a result of any such claims against us or product recalls, we may be exposed to claims by our customers for damage to their reputations and brands. Product liability or other claims and product recalls may also lead to increased scrutiny or investigations by federal, state and foreign regulatory agencies of our operations and could have a material adverse effect on our brands, business, results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

Product liability or other claims, product recalls or any other events that cause consumers to no longer associate our brands or those of our customers for whom we manufacture products with high quality and safety may result in adverse publicity and negatively impact our reputation and the value of our and their brands and lead to decreased demand for our products. In addition, as a result of any such claims against us or product recalls, we may be exposed to claims by our customers for damage to their reputations and brands. Product liability or other claims and product recalls may also lead to increased scrutiny or investigations by federal, state and foreign regulatory agencies of our operations and could have a material adverse effect on our brands, business, reputation, results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

In recent years the EU has adopted new mechanisms to allow (and encourage) claims by consumers, including in collective litigation forms. The civil liability risks in Europe in relation to misleading advertising are material, and increasing. Direct civil enforcement before EU institutions or courts is not available, but the EU require the EU Member States to enhance consumer protection at national level by requiring every EU Member State to permit collective consumer civil claims for injunctions and damages in defined areas. A key example is the 2020 adoption of the EU’s Representative Actions Directive (“RAD”) requiring EU Member States to create systems by June 25, 2023 to allow consumer representative bodies to take civil claims on behalf of consumers for breaches of certain EU consumer laws.

Current wording

In recent years the EU has adopted new mechanisms to allow (and encourage) claims by consumers, including in collective litigation forms. The civil liability risks in Europe in relation to misleading advertising are material, and increasing, and on December 8, 2024, Directive (EU) 2024/2853, the EU’s revised Product Liability Directive (“PLD”), entered into force, which must be transposed into national legislation of the EU Member States by December 9, 2026. The revised PLD introduces a number of significant changes that increase liability risks for companies distributing their products to EU consumers. Direct civil enforcement before EU institutions or courts is not available, but EU law requires the EU Member States to enhance consumer protection at the national level by requiring every EU Member State to allow consumer representative bodies to take civil claims on behalf of consumers for breaches of certain EU consumer laws.

Previous wording

As of December 30, 2023, the Company had approximately $2.5 billion of goodwill. We are required to annually test goodwill to determine if impairment has occurred, as well as whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. If the testing performed indicates that impairment has occurred, we are required to record a non-cash impairment charge for the difference between the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, and the fair value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, in the period the determination is made. The testing of goodwill for impairment requires us to make significant estimates about our future performance and cash flows, as well as other assumptions. These estimates can be affected by numerous factors, including changes in economic, industry or market conditions, changes in business operations or regulation, or changes in competition. Changes in these factors, or changes in actual performance compared with estimates of our future performance, may affect the fair value of goodwill, which may result in an impairment charge. We cannot accurately predict the amount and timing of any impairment of assets. Should the value of goodwill become impaired, there may be a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Current wording

As of December 28, 2024, the Company had approximately $2.3 billion of goodwill. We are required to annually test goodwill to determine if impairment has occurred, as well as whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. If the testing performed indicates that impairment has occurred, we are required to record a non-cash impairment charge for the difference between the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, and the fair value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, in the period the determination is made. The testing of goodwill for impairment requires us to make significant estimates about our future performance and cash flows, as well as other assumptions. These estimates can be affected by numerous factors, including changes in economic, industry or market conditions, changes in business operations or regulation, or changes in competition. Changes in these factors, or changes in actual performance compared with estimates of our future performance, may affect the fair value of goodwill, which may result in an impairment charge. We cannot accurately predict the amount and timing of any impairment of assets. Should the value of goodwill become impaired, there may be a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Previous wording

Our operations are subject to various laws, rules and regulations including those relating to the protection of the environment and to health and safety, and we could incur significant costs to comply with these requirements or be subject to sanctions or held liable for environmental damages.

Current wording

Our operations are subject to various laws, rules and regulations including those relating to the protection of the environment and to health and safety, and we could incur significant costs to comply with these requirements or be subject to sanctions or held liable for damages, including environmental damages.

Previous wording

Our operations subject us to various and increasingly stringent environmental, health and safety requirements in the various jurisdictions where we operate, including those governing air emissions, wastewater discharges, the management, storage and disposal of materials in connection with our facilities, occupational health and safety, product packaging and labeling and our handling of hazardous materials and wastes, such as gasoline and diesel fuel used by our trucking fleet and operations. Failure to comply with these requirements could have significant consequences, including recalls, penalties, injunctive relief, claims for personal injury and property and natural resource damages, other claims and negative publicity. Our operations require the control of air emissions and odor and the treatment and discharge of wastewater to municipal sewer systems and the environment. We operate boilers at many of our facilities and store wastewater in lagoons or, as permitted, discharge it to publicly owned wastewater treatment systems or surface waters, or through land application. We have incurred significant capital and operating expenditures to comply with environmental requirements, including for the upgrade of wastewater treatment facilities, and will continue to incur such costs in the future.

Current wording

Our operations subject us to various and increasingly stringent environmental, health and safety requirements in the various jurisdictions where we operate, including those governing air emissions and odor, wastewater discharges, storm water discharges, the management, storage and disposal of materials in connection with our facilities, occupational health and safety, product packaging and labeling and our handling of hazardous materials and wastes, such as gasoline and diesel fuel used by our trucking fleet and operations. Failure to comply with these requirements could have significant consequences, including recalls, penalties, injunctive relief, claims for personal injury and property and natural resource damages, other claims and negative publicity. Our operations require the control of air emissions and odor and the treatment and discharge of storm water and wastewater to publicly owned treatment works and/or the environment. We operate boilers at many of our facilities and store wastewater in lagoons/tanks and/or, as permitted, discharge it to publicly owned treatment works or surface waters, or manage by land application. We have incurred significant capital and operating expenditures to comply with environmental requirements, including for the upgrade of wastewater treatment facilities, and will continue to incur such costs in the future.

Previous wording

We could be responsible for the remediation of environmental contamination and may be subject to associated liabilities and claims for personal injury and property and natural resource damages. We own or operate numerous properties, have been in business for many years and have acquired and disposed of properties and businesses over that time. During that time, we or other owners or operators may have generated or disposed of wastes or stored or handled other materials that are or may be considered hazardous or may have polluted the soil, surface water or groundwater at or around our facilities. Under some environmental laws, such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 in the United States, also known as the Superfund law, responsibility for the cost of cleanup of a contaminated site can be imposed upon current or former site owners and operators, or upon any party that sent waste to the site, regardless of the lawfulness of the activities that led to the contamination. Similar laws outside the United States impose liability for environmental cleanup, often under the polluter pays theory of liability but also based upon ownership in some circumstances. There can be no assurance that we will not face extensive costs or penalties that would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. For example, we have received notice from the EPA relating to alleged river sediment contamination in the Lower Passaic River area of New Jersey and are party to a lawsuit filed by Occidental Chemical Corporation in which it seeks contribution for various investigative and cleanup costs it has incurred in connection therewith. See Item 3. “Legal Proceedings.” In addition, future developments, such as more aggressive enforcement policies, new laws or discoveries of currently unknown contamination conditions, may also require expenditures that may have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

Current wording

We could be responsible for the remediation of environmental contamination and may be subject to associated liabilities and claims for personal injury and property and natural resource damages. We own or operate numerous properties, have been in business for many years and have acquired and disposed of properties and businesses over that time. During that time, we or other owners or operators may have generated or disposed of wastes or stored or handled other materials that are or may be considered hazardous or may have polluted the soil, surface water or groundwater at or around our facilities. Under some environmental laws, such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 in the United States (“CERCLA”), also known as the Superfund law, responsibility for the cost of cleanup of a contaminated site can be imposed upon current or former site owners and operators, or upon any party that sent waste to the site, regardless of the lawfulness of the activities that led to the contamination. Similar laws outside the United States impose liability for environmental cleanup, often under the polluter pays theory of liability but also based upon ownership in some circumstances. There can be no assurance that we will not face extensive costs or penalties that would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. For example, we have received notices from the EPA relating to alleged sediment contamination in Newtown Creek in New York and alleged river sediment contamination in the Lower Passaic River area of New Jersey, and are party to a lawsuit filed by Occidental Chemical Corporation in which it seeks contribution for various investigative and cleanup costs it has incurred in connection with the Lower Passaic River area of New Jersey. See Item 3. “Legal Proceedings” for additional information about the Lower Passaic River matter. In addition, future developments, such as more aggressive enforcement policies, new laws or discoveries of currently unknown contamination conditions, may also require expenditures that may have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. For example, regulations are newly emerging regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) due to potential health and environmental risks. In April 2024, the EPA adopted a rule designating two widely used PFAS – perfluorooctanoic acid (“PFOA”) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (“PFOS”) – as “hazardous substances” under CERCLA and adopted the primary drinking water standard for PFAS. In the EU, because only certain subgroups of PFAS are currently regulated at the EU level, the EU legislators are taking steps to adopt a comprehensive legislative measure simultaneously restricting a large number of PFAS. In February 2023, the European Chemical Agency (“ECHA”) published a proposal to restrict 10,000+ PFAS under Annex XVII of Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 concerning the registration, evaluatio…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Previous wording

We have approximately 15,800 employees world-wide and are subject to a wide range of local, provincial and national laws and regulations governing the health and safety of workers, including, for example, OSHA in the United States. We can be subject to potential fines and civil and, in egregious cases, criminal actions if we are found to be in violation of worker health and safety laws in any of these jurisdictions. Further, as such laws and regulations change, we may sometimes be required to commit to unplanned capital expenditures in order to continue to comply with workplace safety requirements at our facilities. In addition, we operate and maintain an extensive vehicle fleet to transport products to and from customer locations in all jurisdictions where we have facilities. Our fleets and drivers are subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and licensing requirements applicable to commercial fleets, their cargo and their hours and methods of operation. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations in any location could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and reputation.

Current wording

We have approximately 15,500 employees world-wide and are subject to a wide range of local, provincial and national laws and regulations governing the health and safety of workers, including, for example, OSHA in the United States. We can be subject to potential fines and civil and, in egregious cases, criminal actions if we are found to be in violation of worker health and safety laws in any of these jurisdictions. Further, as such laws and regulations change, we may sometimes be required to commit to unplanned capital expenditures in order to continue to comply with workplace safety requirements at our facilities. In addition, we operate and maintain an extensive vehicle fleet to transport products to and from customer locations. Our fleets and drivers are subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and licensing requirements applicable to commercial fleets, their cargo and their hours and methods of operation. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations in any location could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and reputation.

Previous wording

The emergence of diseases such as swine influenza viruses (collectively known as “Swine Flu”) and highly pathogenic strains of avian influenza (collectively known as “Bird Flu”) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (“SARS”), including SARS-coronavirus 2 (“CoV-2”), that are in or associated with animals and have the potential to also threaten humans has created concern that such diseases could spread and cause a global pandemic. As of the date of this report, various strains of Bird Flu have been and continue to be reported in wild fowl and commercial poultry in Europe, North America, the Middle East and parts of Asia.

Current wording

The emergence of diseases such as swine influenza viruses (collectively known as “Swine Flu”) and highly pathogenic strains of avian influenza (collectively known as “Bird Flu”) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (“SARS”), including SARS-coronavirus 2 (“CoV-2”), that are in or associated with animals and have the potential to also threaten humans has created concern that such diseases could spread and cause a global pandemic. As of the date of this report, various strains of Bird Flu have been and continue to be reported in wild fowl and commercial poultry in Europe, North America, the Middle East and parts of Asia, and there has been at least one human death which is associated with the first case of H5N1 Bird Flu.

Previous wording

Other diseases that are highly contagious within a species, but do not affect other animals and are not transmissible to humans, such as porcine epidemic diarrhea (“PED”) virus, may significantly impact production of the susceptible livestock or poultry species in a country or region. African Swine Fever (“ASF”) is a viral and highly contagious disease of pigs and wild boar, for which no cures or approved vaccines are available as of the date of this report. In the past few years, ASF has become widespread in multiple Chinese, Vietnamese and Philippine provinces and has been reported in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand in South East Asia and the People's Democratic Republic of Korea, the Republic of Korea, Mongolia, Bhutan and India. In April 2021, the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (“MARA”) issued the “Work plan for Regional Prevention and Control of African Swine Fever and Other Major Animal Diseases (Trial)”, which divided the entire country into five regions (South-Central, Eastern, Northern, South-West, and North-west). Pig movement is restricted and ASF-free zones were created within a region. Only pigs from ASF-free zones, breeding pigs and piglets are allowed to move beyond their respective region. Such restrictions on the movement of pigs from one region to another may affect slaughter numbers within certain regions and thereby reduce volumes of raw material supplied to our locations that, within the same region, process blood and makes collagen from pork skins. Additionally, the perception, real or implied, that blood meal and dried plasma powder may contribute to the spread of ASF, resulted in a temporary ban on the use of porcine plasma in pork feed which negatively affected demand for our products as ingredients in porcine animal feed in China. This ban has now been lifted and porcine plasma is once again allowed to be used in pork feed provided that certain newly established guidelines are met. ASF has also been reported in Eastern Europe since 2007. The disease has been detected in both domestic and feral pigs in several EU (primarily Eastern European) Member States in the past years, and the European Union has taken measures to address the “unprecedented spread” of ASF. In particular, based on the epidemiological situation of ASF, the areas affected by ASF in relevant EU Member States have been listed as restricted zones I, II and III in Annex I to the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594. The Implementing Regulation provides special control measures for ASF based on the new legal framework of Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (“Animal Health Law”). On July 28, 2021, ASF was confirmed in the Dominican Republic and subsequently in Haiti on September 30, 2021. As a result of the occurrence of ASF in North America, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (“APHIS”), on September 24, 2021, submitted plans to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) for the declar…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Current wording

Other diseases that are highly contagious within a species, but do not affect other animals and are not transmissible to humans, such as porcine epidemic diarrhea (“PED”) virus, may significantly impact production of the susceptible livestock or animal species in a country or region. African Swine Fever (“ASF”) is a viral and highly contagious disease of pigs and wild boar, for which no cures or approved vaccines are available as of the date of this report. In the past few years, ASF has become widespread in multiple Chinese, Vietnamese and Philippine provinces and has been reported in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand in South East Asia and the People's Democratic Republic of Korea, the Republic of Korea, Mongolia, Bhutan and India. In April 2021, the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (“MARA”) issued the “Work plan for Regional Prevention and Control of African Swine Fever and Other Major Animal Diseases (Trial)”, which divided the entire country into five regions (South-Central, Eastern, Northern, South-West, and North-west). Pig movement is restricted and ASF-free zones were created within a region. Only pigs from ASF-free zones, breeding pigs and piglets are allowed to move beyond their respective region. Such restrictions on the movement of pigs from one region to another may affect slaughter numbers within certain regions and thereby reduce volumes of raw material supplied to our locations that, within the same region, process blood and make collagen from pork skins. Additionally, the perception, real or implied, that blood meal and dried plasma powder may contribute to the spread of ASF, resulted in a temporary ban on the use of porcine plasma in pork feed which negatively affected demand for our products as ingredients in porcine animal feed in China. This ban has now been lifted and porcine plasma is once again allowed to be used in pork feed provided that certain newly established guidelines are met. ASF has also been reported in Eastern Europe since 2007. The disease has been detected in both domestic and feral pigs in several EU (primarily Eastern European) Member States in the past years, and the EU has taken measures to address the spread of ASF. In particular, based on the epidemiological situation of ASF, the areas affected by ASF in relevant EU Member States have been listed as restricted zones I, II and III in Annex I to the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594, as amended. The Implementing Regulation provides special control measures for ASF based on Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (“Animal Health Law”). On July 28, 2021, ASF was confirmed in the Dominican Republic and subsequently in Haiti on September 30, 2021. As a result of the occurrence of ASF in North America, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (“APHIS”), on September 24, 2021, submitted plans to the World Organization for Animal Health (“OIE”) for the declaration of a new ASF protection zone in Puert…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.