Chef Terms of Service

1. Introduction

These Chef Terms of Service ("Chef Terms") govern your use of the Cook4U platform at cook4u.london ("Platform"). By registering as a chef, listing menu items, or accepting orders through the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Chef Terms in full.

The Platform is operated by Cook4U, a company registered in England and Wales. These Chef Terms are separate from and in addition to our general Terms of Service, and where there is any conflict, these Chef Terms shall prevail with respect to your chef activities.

You acknowledge that:

• Cook4U is a technology platform only. It does not manage, supervise, direct, or control your kitchen, ingredients, preparation methods, or delivery.
• You are solely and fully responsible for all aspects of food preparation, safety, and delivery.
• You must maintain all required certifications and comply with applicable local authority regulations at all times.

2. Your Status as an Independent Contractor

You are an independent food business operator, not an employee, worker, agent, or partner of Cook4U. You are solely responsible for your own tax obligations, national insurance contributions, and any other statutory obligations arising from income earned through the Platform, including filing a self-assessment return with HMRC.

Cook4U does not dictate what you cook, when you cook, or how you operate. You may operate on other platforms or channels simultaneously.

3. Eligibility & Verification

3.1 Minimum Requirements

To register as a chef on Cook4U, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be legally permitted to work in the United Kingdom.
• Hold a valid Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (minimum) from a recognised UK training provider, or an equivalent qualification.
• Be registered with your local council as a food business operator (or provide evidence that registration is pending).
• Provide proof of address and a valid passport photo for identity verification.
• Complete Stripe Connect onboarding in order to receive payments.

Cook4U will verify the documents you submit. However, this does not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of your skills. Cook4U reserves the right to refuse or revoke access to any chef at any time, including but not limited to: failure to meet eligibility requirements, food safety concerns, or breach of these Chef Terms.

3.2 Ongoing Obligations

You must immediately notify Cook4U if:

• Your Food Hygiene Certificate expires. You must promptly upload a renewed certificate.
• You become the subject of any investigation by a local authority, environmental health team, or any government or regulatory body.
• There is any incident that may have resulted in food contamination, illness, or injury.

4. Food Safety Obligations

You must comply with all applicable food safety legislation, including:

• Food Safety Act 1990 (as amended)
• Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs
• Food Information Regulations (FIR) 2014
• Natasha's Law (Allergen labelling for pre-packaged food)
• Any guidance imposed by your local environmental health team

Without limitation, you must:

• Maintain a clean, hygienic kitchen with proper handwashing facilities, clean chopping boards, and utensils for raw meat, cooked food, and vegetables.
• Store food at safe temperatures: cold food below 8°C (ideally 5°C), hot food above 63°C.
• Prevent cross-contamination between allergens and non-allergen foods.
• Ensure you are free from communicable disease, infections, or skin conditions that could contaminate food (including diarrhoea, vomiting, Hepatitis A, respiratory conditions).
• Follow HACCP principles and "Better Business for All" guidance.
• Never use expired or spoiled ingredients.

5. Allergen Obligations

You must accurately declare all 14 UK-recognised allergens for every menu item:

You must also notify customers immediately if you change a recipe or substitute an ingredient that affects allergen content. Always err on the side of caution rather than guessing.

6. Fresh Ingredients Policy

• All food must be produced as home-cooked food from fresh ingredients.
• You must never use expired or spoiled ingredients.
• You must keep sourcing records and be able to provide them if requested.

7. No Contact Details Policy

8. Commission & Payments

Cook4U retains a 20% commission on the subtotal of each completed order. Payments are processed via Stripe Connect. You will receive your portion of each order directly to your connected Stripe account, net of Cook4U's platform fee. Cook4U is not responsible for Stripe outages, processing delays, or disputes initiated by customers with their card issuers.

You acknowledge that you are solely responsible for VAT compliance where applicable, and that Cook4U does not act as your VAT agent.

9. Liability & Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Cook4U, its directors, officers, employees, agents, and affiliates from all claims, liabilities, damages, expenses (including reasonable legal fees and settlement amounts) arising out of or in connection with:

• Any food you prepare or sell through the Platform;
• Any illness, injury, allergic reaction, or death caused by your food;
• Any breach of food safety legislation, allergen law, or these Chef Terms;
• Any claim by a customer, third party, or regulatory body related to your activities on the Platform.

Cook4U's liability to you is limited to the greater of the commission fees paid to Cook4U in the 30 days preceding the claim, or £100. Cook4U is not liable for any indirect, consequential, or special damages arising from your use of the Platform.

10. Record Keeping

You must retain records of all orders, ingredients, and supplier receipts for a minimum of 21 days after each order. Cook4U may request these records at any time in connection with a complaint, investigation, or regulatory inquiry.

11. Governing Law

These Chef Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.