Professional Responsibility
Food World/Food Trade News expects all contributors, editors, and staff to conduct themselves professionally and ethically in their interactions with sources, readers, partners, and the broader industry.
We expect honesty in reporting practices, respect for confidential information where appropriate, and adherence to both legal and ethical standards governing journalism and publishing.
Editorial Ethics
Ethics are central to credible journalism and long-term reader trust. We do not knowingly distort facts, manipulate quotations, misrepresent information, or present speculation as confirmed reporting. Stories should be pursued and presented in good faith, with the goal of informing readers accurately and responsibly.
We do not believe journalism should exist to manufacture outrage, inflame controversy unnecessarily, or sacrifice fairness for attention.
Conflicts of Interest
Conflicts of interest – whether financial, professional, or personal – should be disclosed internally whenever they may reasonably influence editorial judgment or public perception. Contributors are expected to avoid situations in which outside business interests, gifts, compensation, or relationships could compromise – or appear to compromise – editorial independence.
Because we operate within a close-knit, relationship-driven industry, maintaining ethical boundaries and professional integrity is particularly important.
Confidentiality and Source Trust
We recognize the importance of respecting confidentiality and source trust. Off-the-record conversations, embargoed information, and confidential materials are handled responsibly and in accordance with established journalistic standards.
Protecting legitimate confidential sources is an important part of responsible reporting and industry journalism.
Fair Treatment and Professional Conduct
We believe journalists should approach reporting with seriousness, professionalism, and intellectual honesty. Contributors are expected to fairly represent differing viewpoints where appropriate, revisit assumptions when necessary, and acknowledge mistakes openly.
Strong journalism requires rigor, skepticism, restraint, and humility.
We also recognize that our reporting can affect reputations, companies, careers, and public perception. That reality requires care in how information is verified, contextualized, framed, and presented.
Responsibility to Readers
Our ultimate responsibility is to our readers and to the integrity of the publication. Short-term attention, speed, commercial pressure, or industry relationships must never take precedence over credibility and trust.
Our ethical standard is straightforward: serve the reader, pursue the truth as accurately as possible, and protect the long-term credibility of the publication above all else.
Alexander Wissel
Executive Editor
You can read more about our:
Artificial Intelligence/Large Language Model Statement
Editorial Standards for Artificial Intelligence/Large Language Models