Publication Ethics Statement

AFNS is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in scientific publishing. Integrity, accountability, and respect for scholarship guide every stage of our editorial process. This statement defines the ethical principles we follow, ensuring that published work serves the advancement of knowledge and the trust of our community.

Editorial Integrity

Editors evaluate submissions solely on the basis of academic merit, originality, and relevance to the journal’s scope. Decisions are independent of authors’ personal characteristics, affiliations, or funding sources. Editors must disclose conflicts of interest and recuse themselves when impartiality could be compromised.

Reviewer Responsibilities

• Provide fair, constructive, and timely evaluations.
• Maintain confidentiality of manuscripts under review.
• Disclose conflicts of interest that could bias judgment.
• Report suspected ethical issues such as plagiarism or data manipulation.

Author Responsibilities

• Submit original work, properly citing prior contributions.
• Provide accurate data, methodologies, and interpretations.
• Secure ethical approval for studies involving humans or animals.
• Disclose all sources of funding and potential conflicts of interest.
• Cooperate in peer review and correction processes.

Publisher’s Role

As publisher, AFNS safeguards the scholarly record by supporting editors, reviewers, and authors in following best practices. Allegations of misconduct are investigated fairly and transparently, guided by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) recommendations.

Misconduct and Corrections

AFNS does not tolerate plagiarism, data falsification, or duplicate publication. If misconduct is confirmed, actions may include rejection, correction, or retraction, accompanied by formal notices. Corrections and retractions remain permanently accessible and linked to the original work to preserve the integrity of the scientific record.

Transparency and Accountability

The journal values open communication with its community. Authors are kept informed of editorial decisions, and readers are provided with clear notices of corrections or updates. Transparency fosters accountability and strengthens trust in the published work.

Commitment to the Scientific Community

AFNS views publication ethics not as a set of restrictions but as a framework for collaboration. By embracing fairness, respect, and rigor, we help build a scholarly environment where research can flourish responsibly and sustainably.

Conclusion

Publication ethics is the foundation of meaningful science. AFNS commits to protecting authors, guiding reviewers, empowering editors, and serving readers with honesty and clarity. By maintaining these standards, we ensure that the journal remains a trusted space for advancing food and nutritional science.