Cibophobia: The Fear of Food

Cibophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of food.  Those who suffer from this phobia will rarely eat food that they do not prepare for themselves and even then they are very selective about what they will eat.  They become obsessive about expiration dates on food and constantly worry about unsanitary preparation.  They may also avoid beef and chicken.  Cibophobia is also known as Sitophobia and Sitiophobia.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Cibophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?