The Journal Editors issue this expression of concern to alert readers to questions about the possible reliability of findings in the following article:

Xiao J, Wang M, Wu J L. Application of Carbon Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry in Authenticity of “Zero-Added-Glutamate” Soy Sauces [J]. eFood, 2020, 1(6): 399-405 [1].

We are issuing this notice after receiving alerts from readers of the journal eFood commenting on data originality and experimental design. In response, we want to clarify that the journal’s standard peer-review process was followed in the publication of this paper. To minimize potential bias, as one of the paper’s authors is a co-founding editor of the journal, the co-founding editor was not involved in the peer review of the manuscript, and two external independent reviewers were invited to evaluate the paper.

At present, additional independent peer-review is ongoing to ascertain whether concerns about the research content of the paper have merit.

Atlantis Press is conducting an in-depth investigation following the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines. Further editorial action will be taken after the investigation has been concluded.

This notice will be updated upon our completion of the investigations.