Terms and Conditions
Welcome to carlasponda.com. These Terms and Conditions (hereinafter, the “Terms”) govern access to, browsing of, and use of this website, as well as the contracting of Personal Chef or in-home chef services for food preparation at the client’s home, including batch cooking, private events, and specialized culinary consulting offered by Ms. Carla Sponda (hereinafter, the “Service Provider,” “Chef,” or “Consultant”), a self-employed professional with a registered address for service of process in Barcelona, Spain, and a contact email address of chef@carlasponda.co
By browsing this website or contracting any of the services offered, you become a Client and expressly, fully, and unreservedly accept each and every provision included in these Terms in the version published at the exact moment the service is contracted.
1. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR IN-HOME SERVICES
The provisions of this section apply generally to all services that require the transportation and technical handling of food at the Client’s residence (specifically batch cooking and private events).
1.1. Nature of the Service
The Client expressly acknowledges that the contracted service falls within the scope of domestic services involving meal preparation and in-home cooking. The relationship is established directly with Carla Sponda in her capacity as a self-employed and independent professional; there is no employment or corporate relationship of any kind.
1.2. Infrastructure Requirements and Basic Utilities
To ensure the proper and safe performance of the service, the Client agrees to provide and guarantee the following optimal conditions in the kitchen of their home:
Active utilities: Running drinking water and a stable, active electricity supply throughout the entire cooking session.
Appliances in perfect working order: An active cooking surface (induction, glass-ceramic, or gas), a working oven, and any necessary auxiliary appliances if agreed upon during the assessment phase.
Refrigeration and freezing capacity: The Client agrees to clear out and prepare sufficient, clean space in both their refrigerator and freezer before the Chef’s arrival, thereby ensuring that the prepared portions can be stored immediately while maintaining the cold chain.
2. SPECIFIC BATCH COOKING SERVICE
The Batch Cooking service consists of the planning, preparation, and packaging of a series of dishes designed to meet the Client’s dietary needs throughout the week.
2.1. Ingredient Purchasing Policy
The cost of labor and the technical design of the menu do not, under any circumstances, include the cost of raw materials (ingredients) for the Batch Cooking service. Ingredients will be managed according to one of the following previously agreed-upon options:
Option A (Managed by the Chef): The Chef makes the purchases at trusted establishments. The exact amount of the receipt for the ingredients will be passed on in full to the Client. Additionally, an extra fee will be charged for the service of selecting, purchasing, and transporting the ingredients to the Client’s address. The total amount (receipt plus the purchasing management fee) must be paid in full at the end of the session, with the physical or digital receipt attached as the sole valid proof of purchase.
Option B (Supplied by the Customer): The Customer purchases all ingredients based on a detailed list provided in advance by the Chef. If any critical ingredients are missing at the start of the service, the Chef will not be held responsible for the inability to complete the planned menu.
2.2. Packaging and Containers
Proper packaging is crucial for the food safety of the prepared meals:
Containers Provided by the Client: The Client must provide the Chef with containers (Tupperware), preferably made of glass, that are clean, airtight, freezer-safe, microwave- and oven-safe, and sized appropriately for the menu portions.
Optional Supply Service: If the Client requests it in advance, the Chef may provide disposable containers suitable for storage. This service will be billed and quoted separately from the base price of the service.
2.3. Limitation of Liability Regarding Food Preservation
The Chef guarantees strict compliance with current health, hygiene, and food safety regulations throughout the entire process of preparing, handling, and packaging food at the Customer’s home. However, once the dishes have been properly stored and organized in the Customer’s refrigerator or freezer, responsibility for proper storage, maintaining the cold chain, and consumption rests solely with the Customer.
As a general safety guideline:
Dishes kept refrigerated (in a refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C and 4°C) must be consumed within a maximum of 3 days after preparation.
Dishes intended for freezing (in a freezer at a minimum of -18°C) must be frozen immediately and consumed within a maximum of 3 months.
The Chef is fully exempt from liability for any food poisoning, health issues, or food spoilage resulting from improper storage, consumption past the expiration date, or negligent handling by the Client once the in-home service has concluded.
2.4. Batch Cooking Rates and Payment Terms
Service Price: The price of each Batch Cooking session will be determined based on the volume of food prepared, the level of menu customization, the estimated duration of the session, and travel costs. Therefore, the final amount of the labor fees will be established based on a prior estimate and must be discussed directly with the Chef before the reservation is confirmed.
Deposit (Session Reservation): To confirm and secure the session date on the calendar, the Client must pay 50% of the labor fees in advance via bank transfer or Bizum. No date will be considered definitively reserved until this payment is received.
Final Payment: The remaining 50% of the labor fees, plus the cost of the ingredients (if applicable), must be paid immediately upon completion of the cooking session, before the Chef leaves the Client’s home.
2.5. Cancellation and Rescheduling of Sessions
Cancellations or changes to the date and time of a session are free of charge provided they are notified in writing at least 48 hours in advance. In this case, the 50% deposit will be held for the new agreed-upon date.
If the cancellation is made less than 48 hours in advance, or if the Chef is unable to access the residence for reasons attributable to the Client, the Client will forfeit 100% of the 50% deposit as compensation for the exclusive blocking of the workday.
If the late cancellation occurs after the Chef has already purchased the ingredients, the Customer will be required to immediately reimburse 100% of the purchase receipt, in addition to forfeiting the deposit.
3. PRIVATE EVENT SERVICE
This service covers the planning and execution of tasting menus, brunches, lunches, or high-end dinners designed exclusively for private celebrations at the Client’s home for up to eight people.
3.1. Reservation Confirmation, Deposit, and Payments
Service Price: The price of this service will be determined based on the scope of preparation, the level of menu customization, ingredients, the estimated duration of the event, and travel costs. Therefore, the final amount of the labor fees will be established via a prior estimate and must be discussed directly with the Chef before the reservation is confirmed.
Reservation Deposit: To secure the event date on the Chef’s calendar, an advance payment equivalent to 50% of the total estimated quote is required as a deposit to reserve the date. This payment must be made via bank transfer or Bizum upon acceptance of the menu and quote.
Remaining Payment: The remaining 50% of the quoted amount must be paid in full before the start of the scheduled event.
3.2. Guest Management and Changes
The Client may modify the number of guests or add guests to the event (subject to the Chef’s technical capacity limits, set at a maximum of 8 guests to ensure service excellence) with at least 48 hours’ notice. The final quote will be adjusted proportionally.
If the Client notifies the Chef of a reduction in the number of guests with less than 48 hours’ notice, no discount or partial refund will be applied, and 100% of the initially agreed-upon quote will be billed, as the ingredients and planning will already have been arranged for the original number of guests.
3.3. Scope of Service: Inclusions and Exclusions
Services Included: The quoted price for the event includes only the following:
The design and creation of a customized menu tailored to the Client’s preferences and dietary restrictions.
The selection, purchase, and delivery of the necessary ingredients to the venue.
The preparation and cooking of the dishes in the Client’s kitchen.
Plating and table service during the event.
Subsequent cleaning and basic tidying of the kitchen area used.
Services Not Included: The provision of beverages of any kind (both non-alcoholic and alcoholic) is expressly excluded from the basic service; the Client is responsible for arranging these, unless a complementary pairing proposal is agreed upon in writing.
Tableware and Linens: The Client is responsible for providing all table linens, dishes, glassware, silverware, and serving items necessary for the event. If the Client does not have these items and requires the Chef to supply them or arrange for their rental, these items will be quoted and charged separately and itemized in addition to the service price.
3.4. Complete Cancellation of the Event
More than 48 hours in advance: The Customer is entitled to a 100% refund of the amount paid as a reservation deposit, which will be refunded within a maximum of 5 business days.
Less than 48 hours in advance: The Customer will forfeit 100% of the deposit (50% of the total quote) due to the inability to reassign the date to another service, the purchase of fresh food, and the preparation costs already incurred.
3.5. Disclaimer Regarding Allergies and Cross-Contamination
The safety of our guests is our top priority; therefore, we have established the following strict disclaimer conditions:
Allergen Notification: The Client has the non-waivable obligation to notify the Chef in writing, at least 4 days in advance, of any allergies, severe food intolerances, or medical restrictions among the guests. The Chef will adapt the relevant dishes based solely and exclusively on this written declaration.
Statement on Cross-Contamination Limits: Since the cooking service is performed entirely at the Client’s private residence, the Client accepts and acknowledges that it is not possible under any circumstances to guarantee the total absence of traces or the absence of environmental cross-contamination. Although the Chef will apply the strictest hygiene and disinfection measures to her processes and tools, the physical environment of the kitchen, the air conditioning, the appliances, and the pre-existing utensils belong to the Client’s private sphere and may contain imperceptible traces of previous allergens.
Medical Liability Disclaimer: The Chef is fully exempt from any medical or civil liability for allergic reactions or health problems suffered by diners that result from:
Information regarding allergies or intolerances that has not been communicated in writing within the established 4-day period.
Cross-contamination caused by pre-existing traces or residues on the Client’s own kitchen appliances, tableware, kitchen utensils, or in the kitchen environment.
4. CONSULTING SERVICES
This section governs specialized professional services for businesses in the restaurant and hospitality sector (Design and Development of balanced Menus, Menu Engineering and Costing, Pastries and Desserts, Food Safety and Allergens, Mystery Shopper, Monitoring and Optimization).
4.1. Intellectual Property and License of Use
All technical documentation, digitized cost sheets, production sheets, exclusive recipes, methodologies, process manuals, and dossiers provided to the Client as part of the culinary consulting services are the exclusive intellectual property of Ms. Carla Sponda.
Contracting the service grants the Client a non-transferable, exclusive license for internal use only within the commercial establishment covered by the contract. The Client agrees not to sell, franchise, post on social media, disseminate, or transfer the recipes or consulting materials to third-party companies or professionals without the prior, express written consent of the Consultant.
4.2. Fees and Service Quote
Due to the highly customized and technical nature of each consulting project, the final price is not subject to a standard flat rate. Fees will be established based on a prior quote for each specific case, calculated according to the following criteria:
Project Scope and Complexity: The cost of the service will be determined based on the required areas of work (for example, whether it includes only menu engineering or a comprehensive food safety and allergen audit).
Time Requirements: We will take into account the estimated number of hours required, the number of in-person sessions or on-site audits at the establishment, and the hours of technical work involved in developing recipes and cost breakdowns.
Contract Type: The service can be priced under two different models, depending on the client’s needs:
Fixed-Price Project: A total fixed amount for the delivery of a specific, predefined package of services.
Hourly Consulting Rate: An agreed-upon hourly rate for one-time consultations, staff training, or mid-term follow-ups.
4.3. Expense and Billing Policy for “Mystery Guest” Audits
To ensure the complete anonymity of technical audit visits to the Client’s restaurants, two operational procedures are established for settling the bills for meals consumed:
Method A (Reimbursement of Expenses): The consulting firm will pay the restaurant bill directly at the end of its visit, posing as an ordinary customer. Subsequently, the Client will be required to reimburse 100% of said receipt or simplified invoice, an amount that will be transparently itemized on the final consulting fee invoice.
Method B (Internal Advance Payment): Prior to the visit, the Client will provide an internal payment method that is completely undetectable to its staff (prepaid gift cards, anonymized corporate digital invitations, etc.). The payment system must allow for seamless settlement of the service on-site without requiring phone calls, manual authorizations, or intervention by the manager on duty that could compromise the confidentiality of the audit.
4.4. Payment Terms and Cancellation of Consulting Sessions
Payment Structure: Unless otherwise agreed upon in the commercial proposal, consulting projects shall be paid as follows: a 50% initial payment to reserve the consultant’s time and initiate the project upon signing the engagement agreement, and the remaining 50% upon final delivery of the documentation, recipe books, or technical reports.
Unilateral Termination: As these are professional corporate services involving a significant number of hours exclusively reserved in the Consultant’s schedule, if the Client decides to unilaterally terminate the consulting engagement early for reasons beyond the Consultant’s control, any advance payments already made (including the 50% initial deposit) will not be subject to return or refund.
Rescheduling of Work Sessions or In-Person Visits: The Client may reschedule a technical consulting session or an in-person training session without penalty by providing written notice at least 24 hours in advance. Sessions canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be considered accrued and used for the purposes of billing consulting hours.
5. MEDICAL AND NUTRITIONAL DISCLAIMER
The Client expressly acknowledges and agrees that the wellness culinary advice, the design of balanced menus, and the culinary preparations provided by Carla Sponda (including those based on the principles of traditional Ayurvedic philosophy) do not under any circumstances constitute a medical diagnosis, clinical nutritional therapy, curative treatment for medical conditions, or a hospital dietary prescription. This at-home wellness culinary service does not, under any circumstances, replace the instructions, monitoring, or treatment prescribed by a licensed physician or a clinical dietitian-nutritionist. It is the Client’s sole responsibility to consult with their medical specialist before making substantial changes to their daily diet if they have diagnosed medical or metabolic conditions.
6. PROTECTION OF PERSONAL DATA (GDPR)
In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation—GDPR) and Organic Law 3/2018 on the Protection of Personal Data and the Guarantee of Digital Rights (LOPDGDD), we hereby inform you of the following:
Data Controller: Ms. Carla Sponda, whose identification and contact information are detailed in the header.
Purpose of Processing: Comprehensive management of service contracts, billing, collections, communication with the Customer, and the personalized adaptation of culinary menus in accordance with the dietary and health requirements voluntarily disclosed by the Customer.
Legal basis: Performance of the pre-contractual and contractual relationship between the parties; express consent of the data subject for the processing of sensitive data (health data related to intolerances, allergies, or specific dietary preferences strictly necessary for the safety of the catering service).
Retention period: Personal data will be retained for the duration of the commercial and contractual relationship, and thereafter for the statute of limitations period applicable to the legal and tax obligations related to the Provider’s self-employed professional activity.
Rights of the data subject: The Customer may exercise their rights of access, rectification, erasure (right to be forgotten), restriction of processing, data portability, and objection at any time by sending a written request to the email address chef@carlasponda.com. Furthermore, the Client has the right to file a complaint with the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) if they believe their rights have been violated.
7. JURISDICCIÓN Y LEGISLACIÓN APLICABLE
Los presentes Términos se rigen en todos y cada uno de sus extremos por la legislación española vigente. Para cualquier discrepancia, duda o controversia derivada de la interpretación, cumplimiento o ejecución de estos Términos de Uso y Contratación, las partes se someten de manera expresa, con renuncia a cualquier otro fuero que pudiera corresponderles, a la jurisdicción exclusiva de los Juzgados y Tribunales de la ciudad de Barcelona, España.