DARLING INTERNATIONAL RESULTS: FISCAL YEAR AND FOURTH QUARTER 2004

Irving, Texas, March 17, 2005: Darling International Inc. (AMEX:DAR) today reported net income of $13.9 million, or $0.22 per share, for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2005, as compared to $18.2 million or $0.29 per share, for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2004. Sales and earnings for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended January 1, 2005, as compared to the same period of the prior year are as follows: FOURTH QUARTER For the fourth quarter 2004, the Company’s net sales were $71.4 million as compared to $96.2 million for the fourth quarter 2003. Decreases in raw material supplies and finished product prices accounted for the majority of the $24.8 million decrease. Net income for the fourth quarter 2004 declined to $0.9 million as compared to a net income of $8.9 million for the 2003 comparable period. Results for the 2004 fourth quarter were significantly impacted by (i) lower availability of beef raw material supplies as a result of the continued closure of export markets to U.S. beef, (ii) higher energy prices, and (iii) lower commodity prices for finished goods. Fourth quarter 2003 also included an extra week of results due to a 53-week fiscal year.

Other income in fourth quarter 2003 included income of $4.1 million attributable to early retirement of debt. Interest expense increased by $0.8 million in fourth quarter 2004 due to the issuance of $35 million senior subordinated notes at 12% and reduction of interest expense in fourth quarter 2003 related to SFAS 15 accounting.