Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions for The Rooted Pantry

Enforcement Date: April 10, 2026

These Terms and Conditions ("Agreement") constitute a legally binding agreement between you and The Rooted Pantry ("Company," "we," "us," or "our"). By accessing our Shopify-hosted store or purchasing our artisanal provisions, you agree to these terms.

1. Consumer Rights and Data Privacy (MODPA Compliance)

As of April 1, 2026, the Maryland Online Data Privacy Act is strictly enforced. Maryland residents are granted the following rights regarding their personal data:

  • Access and Portability: You have the right to obtain a copy of your personal data in a portable, commonly used format.

  • Correction and Deletion: You may request that we correct inaccurate data or delete your personal information.

  • Opt-Out: You have the right to opt-out of targeted advertising and the sale of your personal data.

  • Sensitive Data: We are prohibited from selling sensitive personal data (e.g., precise geolocation or biometric data). We only collect sensitive data strictly necessary to provide the service you requested.

2. Subscription and Automatic Renewal (SB 49)

In accordance with Maryland SB 49 (effective June 1, 2026), all subscription services, including the Founder’s Circle and Tallow Circle, adhere to these standards:

  • Transparency: All renewal terms, including price and frequency, are clearly disclosed before purchase.

  • Easy Cancellation: You may cancel your subscription at any time in a "cost-effective, timely, and easy-to-use manner" via your customer portal.

  • Cancellations: To avoid a charge for the next cycle, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the renewal date.

     

3. Product Integrity and Safety

  • Artisanal Variability: As a "Modern Alchemist" brand, we utilize natural fermentation and ancestral rendering. You acknowledge that natural variations in color, aroma, and texture are characteristic of these processes.

     

  • Lipid Stability: FAT.CO tallow products are high-performance fats with a smoke point of $250^{\circ}\text{C}$. Exceeding this temperature may cause oxidation.

     

  • Skincare (MoCRA): For our tallow-based skincare, we serve as the "Responsible Person" under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act. We maintain adverse event logs for 3 years and substantiate the safety of every formulation.

     

4. Shipping and Returns Policy

  • Food Safety: Due to Maryland safety regulations, returns on food or beverage items are not permitted once the product has left our facility, even if the seal is intact.

     

  • Damage Claims: You must report items damaged in transit with photo evidence within 48 hours of delivery to qualify for a full replacement or refund.

     

  • Date Labeling (HB 8): In compliance with Maryland HB 8, all products manufactured after July 1, 2026, utilize "Best if used by" (Quality) or "Use by" (Safety) terminology. Use of "Sell by" is prohibited.

     

5. Trade Practices and Fair Pricing

  • Deceptive Practices: We strictly prohibit unfair or deceptive trade practices, including misleading representations regarding the ingredients, benefits, or origins of our provisions.

  • Dynamic Pricing: In alignment with the Protection from Predatory Pricing Act, we do not utilize surveillance data to set individualized prices for staple goods.

6. Intellectual Property

The "Modern Alchemist" brand identity, proprietary recipe formulations (including The Velvet Base and District Red Mambo), and the Creator’s Guide to the Tallow Glow are the exclusive intellectual property of The Rooted Pantry.

 

7. Governing Law

This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Maryland and Prince George's County. Any disputes shall be resolved through mediation or arbitration before litigation.