Ethical Standards for Authors

Authors play a central role in preserving the integrity of the scholarly record. AFNS expects all submissions to meet the highest standards of ethical conduct. These guidelines articulate the responsibilities of authors to ensure that research is conducted, reported, and disseminated with honesty, respect, and accountability.

Originality and Plagiarism

Authors must ensure that submitted manuscripts are entirely original. The work of others—whether text, data, or images—must be properly cited. Plagiarism, self-plagiarism, and redundant publication are prohibited. All manuscripts undergo similarity checks before review.

Authorship Criteria

Authorship is reserved for individuals who have contributed substantially to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the research. All listed authors must:

• Approve the final version of the manuscript.
• Agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
• Disclose conflicts of interest and funding sources.

Gift, honorary, or ghost authorship is strictly prohibited. Contributors not meeting authorship criteria should be acknowledged appropriately.

Data Accuracy and Transparency

Authors are responsible for the accuracy of their data. Fabrication, falsification, or manipulation is unacceptable. Where possible, datasets should be deposited in accessible repositories, and methodologies must be described in sufficient detail to permit reproducibility.

Ethics in Human and Animal Research

Studies involving human participants must follow the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Authors must confirm informed consent and institutional ethics approval. Research involving animals must comply with internationally recognized standards of care and welfare.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

Authors must disclose any personal, financial, or institutional relationships that could be perceived as influencing their work. Transparency in disclosure protects both authors and readers and ensures trust in the published findings.

Simultaneous and Redundant Submission

Submitting the same manuscript to multiple journals simultaneously is unethical. Similarly, publishing substantially similar work without citation or justification constitutes redundant publication. Authors must inform AFNS if their submission overlaps with prior or concurrent work.

Corrections and Retractions

If authors discover errors in their published work, they are obliged to inform the editorial office promptly. Corrections, corrigenda, or retractions may be issued to maintain the accuracy of the record. Cooperation in this process is an essential ethical duty.

Use of AI Tools

Authors may use AI-assisted tools for language editing or formatting but must not use them to generate research findings, analyses, or references without full disclosure. Responsibility for the accuracy and originality of content rests solely with the authors.

Respect for Intellectual Property

Authors must secure permissions for the use of copyrighted material, including images, datasets, or substantial text excerpts. Proper attribution safeguards intellectual property rights and avoids legal complications.

Commitment to Scholarly Community

Authors contribute not only to science but also to a global dialogue. Upholding ethical standards ensures that contributions enrich the field and inspire confidence. By adhering to these principles, authors honor their peers, their institutions, and the broader community they serve.

Conclusion

Ethical authorship is a commitment to truth, respect, and responsibility. AFNS encourages authors to embody these values, ensuring that every publication advances knowledge and strengthens the integrity of food and nutritional science.