13th Mar 2026 - 06:00
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Abstract
On this edition of Fun Friday Food Facts, which was published on the spooky day of Friday 13th, we look at five interesting food phobias.
- Cibophobia (fear of food): Studies estimate that around 13% of people experience a specific phobia, and food-related fears are a small subset of these cases.
- Arachibutyrophobia (fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of the mouth): Peanut butter is responsible for thousands of minor choking incidents each year worldwide, which can reinforce this fear.
- Ichthyophobia (fear of fish): In the UK, about one third of adults say they rarely or never eat fish, partly due to smell, bones, or texture.
- Mageirocophobia (fear of cooking): Surveys in the UK suggest about 25% of adults say they lack confidence in cooking, which can contribute to anxiety around food preparation.
- Lachanophobia (fear of vegetables): Research shows up to 50% of children go through a phase of rejecting vegetables, which can contribute to long-term aversions.
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