@Cloud I can confirm that eating works in combat.
@SlashnHax there is still an "interesting" scenario where the bot will not actually eat, even with the update. In order for the bot to begin the floor properly, it must be on the Party menu. If you don't manually open the Inventory, then it will remain on the Party screen throughout the duration of the floor - which will prevent the bot from eating. Once you toggle it manually, everything works as it should until the next floor, which begins on the Party menu again.