AFNS follows a robust Publication Ethics Policy to safeguard the integrity of its editorial process and the credibility of published content. This policy translates ethical principles into clear procedures, aligning with the COPE Core Practices and the recommendations of the ICMJE. It applies to all participants—authors, reviewers, editors, and publishers.

1. Authorship and Contributorship

Authorship is reserved for those who have made substantial contributions to conception, design, analysis, interpretation, or writing. All authors must approve the final version and agree to be accountable. Guest, ghost, and honorary authorship are prohibited. Contributions not meeting authorship criteria should be acknowledged transparently.

2. Originality and Plagiarism

Submitted manuscripts must be original and not under consideration elsewhere. Plagiarism—including self-plagiarism—is unacceptable. All submissions undergo similarity checks, and manuscripts with significant overlap are rejected or corrected according to COPE guidance.

3. Data Integrity

Authors are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of data, methods, and interpretations. Raw data must be available upon request for editorial or peer review verification. Fabrication, falsification, or selective reporting constitutes misconduct and may lead to retraction.

4. Human and Animal Research Ethics

Research involving humans must comply with the Declaration of Helsinki and include documented informed consent. Animal studies must follow internationally recognized standards of care and welfare. Institutional approval statements must accompany submissions.

5. Peer Review Integrity

Peer review is double-blind, fair, and constructive. Reviewers must disclose conflicts of interest, maintain confidentiality, and submit timely, evidence-based reports. Manipulation of the review process is considered misconduct.

6. Conflicts of Interest

All authors, editors, and reviewers must disclose any financial, institutional, or personal interests that could influence their judgment. AFNS publishes conflict of interest statements for transparency.

7. Misconduct Handling

Allegations of misconduct (plagiarism, duplicate submission, falsified data, unethical experiments) are investigated promptly. Procedures include:

• Initial assessment by editors with similarity and ethical checks.
• Formal communication with authors for clarification.
• Consultation with reviewers or independent experts, when necessary.
• Decisions in line with COPE flowcharts—ranging from correction to retraction and institutional notification.

8. Corrections and Retractions

Honest errors may be corrected with errata or corrigenda. Serious issues—such as misconduct—may lead to retraction. Retraction notices remain permanently linked to the original article, preserving the scholarly record.

9. Transparency and Accountability

Editorial decisions are communicated clearly to authors. Readers are informed of updates, corrections, and retractions. Transparency is central to sustaining trust between the journal and its community.

10. Publisher’s Responsibilities

The publisher ensures that ethical policies are enforced consistently, supports editors in decision-making, and invests in preservation systems (LOCKSS, CLOCKSS, Portico) to maintain long-term access. Sponsorship or advertising never influences editorial judgment.

Conclusion

The Publication Ethics Policy ensures that AFNS operates with integrity, fairness, and accountability. By following these standards, the journal safeguards the credibility of research, protects the rights of authors, and serves readers with trustworthy knowledge in food and nutritional science.