diff --git a/packages/component-manuscript-manager/src/routes/fragmentsRecommendations/notifications/notifications.js b/packages/component-manuscript-manager/src/routes/fragmentsRecommendations/notifications/notifications.js
index 2272a85f453643c882e7b7fbce3d5888d57daccd..b3f2e877a4aad364f605e362495d370193328932 100644
--- a/packages/component-manuscript-manager/src/routes/fragmentsRecommendations/notifications/notifications.js
+++ b/packages/component-manuscript-manager/src/routes/fragmentsRecommendations/notifications/notifications.js
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 const config = require('config')
-const { chain, get } = require('lodash')
+const { chain, get, isEmpty } = require('lodash')
 
 const {
   User,
@@ -58,9 +58,13 @@ module.exports = {
 
       comments = eicComments
     }
+
+    const hasPeerReview = (collection = {}) =>
+      !isEmpty(collection.handlingEditor)
+
     if (
       (isEditorInChief || newRecommendation.recommendationType === 'review') &&
-      collection.status !== 'rejected'
+      hasPeerReview(collection)
     ) {
       // the request came from either the Editor in Chief or a reviewer, so the HE needs to be notified
       sendHandlingEditorEmail({
@@ -93,7 +97,7 @@ module.exports = {
           newRecommendation,
         })
       }
-      if (collection.status !== 'rejected') {
+      if (hasPeerReview(collection)) {
         sendReviewersEmail({
           email,
           baseUrl,