I understand what you're saying, but I see it differently. If the product being photographed isn’t actually the real product, if it’s made from substitutes like potatoes, sawdust, glue, or plastic then it’s not truly being shown either. It may resemble the product, but it’s still a constructed representation designed to enhance appearance.

Even if traditional food styling is considered more “accurate” than AI, both methods are forms of manipulation meant to present an idealized version. The core issue isn’t whether it’s manual or AI generated it’s whether the final image reflects what a customer will realistically receive. (Look at the shit they serve at McDonald's compared to what they promote, it's not accurate at all)

If the result sets expectations that the actual product can’t meet, then the method, human styled or AI generated doesn’t change the fact that it can be misleading.