AAFCO lets rendered roadkill be labeled 'meat meal' with no species disclosure

AAFCO's ingredient definitions allow independent rendering plants to combine dead animals from farms, shelters, and roadways into a single batch and label the output as generic 'meat meal' or 'animal fat' with no species identification required. This matters because pet owners with dogs that have specific protein allergies cannot reliably avoid triggering ingredients, leading to chronic GI issues, skin reactions, and expensive veterinary elimination diets that cost $500-$1,500 to diagnose what should have been on the label. The system persists because the FDA refuses to require species-specific labeling for rendered ingredients, the rendering industry lobbies to keep definitions broad so they can process mixed-source material at lower cost, and AAFCO is a voluntary association with no enforcement authority.