I get where you are coming from DC2, but food snacks are not dangerous either, but I can tell you that last time an employee walked up to me with a badge and was "snacking" out of a bag of chips, and/or I went to a reception area and the employee had a huge meal layed out on their desk, and had to stop "chewing" in order to address me........
I'm sorry. I'm old fashioned. At work, you are working. It's not your house, your car, or your living room. Employers have every right to dictate behaviors at their private premises where they are
paying people to be there.
I know the policies don't make sense sometimes......and I've had a few "meetings" myself........but when it got really bad that is when I put my resume out.
Believe me I've worked for my fair share of annoying corporations.
Also, the idea that you are irrreplaceable is a dangerous way to think. They will go on, with or without you, even if it does cost them a few "bumps" in the interrim. (They are probably kinda stupid not to have some kind of built in mission critical backup if your leaving is going to DECIMATE the company. Either you are very very special or they are very very backwards.
)
I do not say this to under value you in any way. Its just that I live in the real world and know of no organization who completely falls apart because an employee leaves i
n this day and age when you can find "talent" at the drop of a hat, esp. among well educated and technically and theoretically trained employees who will be at the doorstep in 2 seconds flat iwith their H1B visas for a well paying job.......
and they will work like the dickens too.