Whenever looking at a fence with a usable item (a Steak for example, and yes, I made sure that I needed food) you are unable to use the item. Instead, it looks like you are attempting to break the fence, but not actually damaging the it (first person).
Linked issues
duplicates 1
Comments 3
Appears that Minecraft is treating fences as fence gates for this issue. As if the player has to open the fence.
WAI. MC-4582
Confirmed. Any food items, potions (including splash), fishing rods, projectiles, maps and bows cannot be used. However, blocks can still be be placed while looking at a fence and spawn eggs, flint and steel, and fire charges can still be used.