As of 1.16 pre-release 3 we're able to put food on unlit campfire, however when we extinguish the campfire items will pop off
MC-188448
Food pops off of campfire when extinguished
Resolved
Fixed
3
Confirmed
Normal
Items, Parity
mojang_internal_1
1.16 Pre-release 3, 20w28a
20w46a
Retrieved
This is likely working as intended as MC-162665 was fixed.
The introduction of placing on unlit fires seems to be an alternative for players wanting to decorate.