Terms of Service

1. Introduction

Welcome to Chilimo ("Platform," "we," "us," or "our"). Chilimo is a marketplace that connects home kitchen operators ("Chefs") with customers ("Foodies") who want to purchase home-cooked meals. By accessing or using our Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms").

If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use the Platform.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old to use Chilimo. By registering, you represent that you are of legal age and have the capacity to enter into a binding agreement.

3. Account Registration

You may sign up using Google OAuth. You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account and for all activity under your account. You must provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration.

4. Home Kitchen Chefs

4.1 Licensing and Compliance

Chefs operating home kitchens must comply with all local, state, and federal food safety laws and regulations applicable to their area. This includes but is not limited to:

• Obtaining any required home kitchen or cottage food operation permits
• Following food handler certification requirements in your jurisdiction
• Adhering to local health department regulations for home-based food businesses
• Complying with labeling requirements, including allergen disclosures
• Meeting zoning laws that govern home-based food businesses

Chilimo does not guarantee that any Chef holds the necessary licenses or permits. It is the Chef's sole responsibility to ensure legal compliance.

4.2 Chef Verification

Chilimo may offer a verification process for Chefs, but this does not constitute a guarantee of food safety, quality, or regulatory compliance. Verification may include identity checks and documentation review, but Chefs remain solely responsible for all food they prepare and sell.

4.3 Food Safety Obligations

Chefs must:

• Prepare food in a clean and sanitary environment
• Store ingredients and prepared food at safe temperatures
• Accurately list all ingredients and common allergens
• Not prepare food while ill or experiencing symptoms of foodborne illness
• Follow safe food handling practices during preparation, packaging, and delivery

4.4 Area-Specific Regulations

Home kitchen regulations vary significantly by location. Some jurisdictions allow unrestricted home kitchen sales, others limit annual revenue, types of food, or require specific permits. Chefs must research and comply with the laws in their specific area. Chilimo is not responsible for verifying or enforcing local regulatory compliance.

5. Customers (Foodies)

5.1 Assumption of Risk

By ordering food through Chilimo, you acknowledge that meals are prepared in home kitchens, not commercial facilities. Home kitchens may not be subject to the same inspections or standards as commercial restaurants. You assume the inherent risks associated with consuming food from a home kitchen.

5.2 Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, it is your responsibility to review ingredient lists, communicate directly with the Chef, and make informed decisions before ordering. Chilimo is not liable for allergic reactions or adverse effects from food consumed through the Platform.

5.3 Orders and Payments

All orders placed through the Platform are agreements between you and the Chef. Prices are set by individual Chefs. Chilimo facilitates payment processing but is not a party to the transaction between Chef and Foodie.

6. Platform Role

Chilimo is a marketplace and technology platform. We are not a restaurant, food manufacturer, or food delivery service. We do not prepare, handle, or deliver food. We connect Chefs and Foodies and provide tools to facilitate transactions.

We do not endorse, guarantee, or warrant the quality, safety, legality, or availability of any food listed on the Platform.

7. Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to:

• Use the Platform for any unlawful purpose
• Misrepresent your identity, qualifications, or the nature of your food offerings
• Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
• Attempt to circumvent Platform fees or payment systems
• Post false reviews or ratings
• Sell food that is unsafe, adulterated, or mislabeled
• Interfere with the proper functioning of the Platform

8. Intellectual Property

All content on the Platform, including text, graphics, logos, and software, is the property of Chilimo or its licensors. You may not copy, modify, or distribute Platform content without prior written consent.

By posting content (e.g., recipes, photos, reviews), you grant Chilimo a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute that content on the Platform.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Chilimo shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Platform, including but not limited to foodborne illness, allergic reactions, property damage, or loss of revenue.

Our total liability for any claim shall not exceed the amount of fees paid by you to Chilimo in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Chilimo, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of the Platform, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any applicable law or regulation.

11. Termination

Chilimo may suspend or terminate your account at any time for violation of these Terms, applicable law, or for any conduct that we determine to be harmful to the Platform or other users. You may delete your account at any time by contacting support.

12. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes between Chefs and Foodies should first be resolved directly between the parties. Chilimo may offer mediation at its discretion but is not obligated to resolve disputes. Any legal disputes with Chilimo shall be governed by binding arbitration in accordance with applicable law.

13. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify users of material changes via email or Platform notification. Continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us at legal@chilimo.com.