Alright, I found a solution, I needed to use "17b" instead of "17". I am not sure if it is intended, however, it is not the bug I posted this issue about. Thank you!
Alright, sorry, Aaron. Here goes the explanation:
I was trying to create a permanent world rule which only lets you swim or dive if you have the hunger effect on you. Otherwise it kills the player trying. It is a part of an ongoing series on YouTube.
Now, it can be accomplished if you just track stats of eaten rotten flesh (or putterfish, problems begin with raw chicken) and give players this status effect just in case they didn't get it. However, that is not really what I want to accomplish, only a temporary solution.
Thanks for the help and sorry for bothering.