Terms of Service

Effective Date: April 1, 2026

1. Introduction and Acceptance

Welcome to Chilimo ("Platform," "we," "us," or "our"). Chilimo is a technology platform that connects independent 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") and acknowledge that you have read and understood them.

PLEASE READ THESE TERMS CAREFULLY. THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS, INCLUDING LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROVISIONS.

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

2. Platform Role - Marketplace Only

Chilimo is a technology marketplace platform only. We provide the technology infrastructure that enables Chefs and Foodies to connect and transact. We are NOT:

  • A restaurant, food manufacturer, caterer, or food service establishment
  • A food delivery service or courier
  • An employer of Chefs or any food service workers
  • A party to transactions between Chefs and Foodies
  • A guarantor of food quality, safety, or regulatory compliance
  • A health inspector or regulatory authority

Chilimo does not prepare, cook, handle, store, package, or deliver any food. All food is prepared independently by Chefs in their own home kitchens. Chilimo has no control over and assumes no responsibility for the food or services provided by Chefs.

3. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old to use Chilimo. By registering, you represent that you are of legal age, have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement, and are not prohibited from using the Platform under applicable law.

4. Account Registration

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

5. Home Kitchen Chefs - Independent Contractors

5.1 Independent Contractor Status

Chefs are independent contractors, not employees, partners, agents, or franchisees of Chilimo. Chefs operate their own independent food businesses and have complete control over:

  • What food to prepare and offer
  • Pricing of their dishes
  • When and how often to operate
  • How to prepare, package, and present their food
  • Whether to accept or decline any order
  • Their kitchen setup, equipment, and processes

Chilimo does not direct, control, or supervise Chefs' operations. The relationship between Chilimo and Chefs is solely that of independent contracting parties.

5.2 Licensing, Permits, and Legal Compliance

Chefs are solely responsible for complying with ALL applicable laws and regulations. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Obtaining all required home kitchen, cottage food, or food service permits and licenses
  • Food handler certifications and health department requirements
  • Local, state/provincial, and federal food safety regulations
  • Zoning laws for home-based food businesses
  • Business registration, tax obligations, and insurance requirements
  • Allergen labeling and disclosure requirements
  • Any other applicable health, safety, or business regulations

Chilimo does not verify, guarantee, or endorse that any Chef holds the necessary licenses, permits, certifications, or insurance. Chilimo is not responsible for any Chef's failure to comply with applicable laws.

5.3 Kitchen Cleanliness and Food Safety Standards

Chefs must maintain kitchen cleanliness and food safety standards that meet or exceed all applicable local health department regulations and food safety guidelines. Specifically, Chefs must:

  • Maintain a clean, sanitary kitchen environment free from contamination risks
  • Follow proper food storage and temperature control procedures
  • Use safe food handling practices during preparation, cooking, packaging, and storage
  • Ensure proper personal hygiene and handwashing
  • Keep kitchen equipment clean and in good working condition
  • Prevent cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods
  • Not prepare food while experiencing illness symptoms
  • Properly label all food items with ingredients and allergen information
  • Comply with all applicable food safety training requirements

Chefs acknowledge that failure to maintain proper food safety standards may result in serious illness or harm to customers and may expose Chefs to significant legal liability.

5.4 Allergen Disclosure

Chefs must accurately and completely disclose all ingredients and common allergens in their dishes. Common allergens include but are not limited to: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame. Chefs must:

  • List all ingredients used in each dish
  • Clearly identify common allergens
  • Update ingredient lists when recipes change
  • Respond honestly to customer questions about ingredients
  • Not guarantee "allergen-free" preparations unless they can ensure no cross-contamination

5.5 Chef Verification

Chilimo may offer optional verification processes for Chefs, which may include identity verification and documentation review. However, verification does NOT constitute a guarantee, endorsement, or certification of food safety, quality, regulatory compliance, or fitness for any purpose. Verified status is informational only and does not create any warranty or liability on behalf of Chilimo.

5.6 Chef Insurance

Chefs are strongly encouraged to obtain appropriate business liability insurance to cover potential claims arising from their food business operations. Chilimo does not provide insurance coverage for Chefs or their food operations.

6. Customers (Foodies) - Assumption of Risk

6.1 Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risk

BY ORDERING FOOD THROUGH CHILIMO, YOU EXPRESSLY ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT:

  • Meals are prepared by independent Chefs in their private home kitchens, not commercial food establishments
  • Home kitchens are generally not subject to the same regulatory inspections, standards, or oversight as commercial restaurants
  • There are inherent risks associated with consuming food prepared in home kitchens, including but not limited to foodborne illness, allergic reactions, and food contamination
  • Chilimo has no control over food preparation, ingredients, kitchen conditions, or Chef practices
  • You voluntarily assume all risks associated with ordering and consuming food from home kitchens

6.2 Food Allergies, Dietary Restrictions, and Medical Conditions

IF YOU HAVE FOOD ALLERGIES, DIETARY RESTRICTIONS, OR ANY MEDICAL CONDITION THAT COULD BE AFFECTED BY FOOD CONSUMPTION, YOU MUST:

  • Carefully review all ingredient and allergen information provided
  • Directly contact the Chef with any questions before ordering
  • Understand that cross-contamination may occur in home kitchen environments
  • Make your own informed decision about whether to order
  • Carry appropriate medication (e.g., epinephrine auto-injector) if you have severe allergies

CHILIMO IS NOT LIABLE FOR ALLERGIC REACTIONS, ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS, OR ANY HARM RESULTING FROM FOOD CONSUMED THROUGH THE PLATFORM, INCLUDING REACTIONS CAUSED BY UNDISCLOSED INGREDIENTS, CROSS-CONTAMINATION, OR INACCURATE ALLERGEN INFORMATION.

6.3 Orders and Payments

All orders placed through the Platform are agreements directly between you and the Chef. Chilimo facilitates the transaction but is not a party to it. Prices are set independently by each Chef. Chilimo may charge service fees for use of the Platform.

7. Disclaimer of Warranties

THE PLATFORM AND ALL SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, CHILIMO DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement
  • Warranties regarding the safety, quality, legality, or availability of any food
  • Warranties regarding the accuracy of Chef information, ingredient lists, or allergen disclosures
  • Warranties regarding the cleanliness or condition of Chef kitchens
  • Warranties regarding Chef compliance with applicable laws and regulations
  • Warranties that the Platform will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free

8. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW:

CHILIMO, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AFFILIATES, SUCCESSORS, AND ASSIGNS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY:

  • Foodborne illness, food poisoning, or any illness resulting from food consumed through the Platform
  • Allergic reactions or adverse health effects from food, regardless of whether allergens were disclosed
  • Personal injury, illness, or death arising from food preparation, handling, or consumption
  • Property damage related to food or food packaging
  • Indirect, incidental, special, consequential, punitive, or exemplary damages
  • Loss of profits, revenue, data, goodwill, or other intangible losses
  • Damages resulting from Chef conduct, food quality, or regulatory violations
  • Any claims arising from the acts or omissions of Chefs or other third parties

IN NO EVENT SHALL CHILIMO'S TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY EXCEED THE GREATER OF (A) THE AMOUNT OF FEES ACTUALLY PAID BY YOU TO CHILIMO IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM, OR (B) ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100 USD).

Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of certain damages. In such jurisdictions, our liability shall be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Chilimo and its officers, directors, employees, agents, affiliates, successors, and assigns from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from or related to:

  • Your use of the Platform
  • Food you prepare, sell, or consume through the Platform
  • Your violation of these Terms
  • Your violation of any applicable law, regulation, or third-party rights
  • Any claim that food you prepared caused illness, injury, or harm to any person
  • Your failure to obtain required licenses, permits, or insurance
  • Any dispute between you and another user
  • Any inaccurate information you provided, including ingredient or allergen information

10. Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to:

  • Use the Platform for any unlawful purpose
  • Prepare or sell food that is unsafe, contaminated, adulterated, or mislabeled
  • Misrepresent ingredients, allergens, or the nature of your food
  • Operate without required licenses or permits
  • Misrepresent your identity, qualifications, or kitchen conditions
  • Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
  • Attempt to circumvent Platform fees or payment systems
  • Post false reviews or ratings
  • Interfere with the proper functioning of the Platform

11. Dispute Resolution and Arbitration

PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY. IT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS.

Any disputes between Chefs and Foodies should first be resolved directly between the parties. Chilimo is not obligated to mediate or resolve disputes between users.

Any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association (or equivalent body in your jurisdiction). The arbitration shall be conducted in English, and the arbitrator's decision shall be final and binding.

CLASS ACTION WAIVER: You agree that any dispute resolution proceedings will be conducted only on an individual basis and not as a class, consolidated, or representative action.

12. 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, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute that content on the Platform and for marketing purposes.

13. Termination

Chilimo may suspend or terminate your account at any time, with or without cause, for violation of these Terms, applicable law, safety concerns, or any conduct that we determine to be harmful to the Platform, other users, or third parties. Upon termination, your right to use the Platform ceases immediately.

14. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, United States, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

15. 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. If you do not agree to the updated Terms, you must stop using the Platform.

16. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

17. Contact Us

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