diff --git a/server/player/hunger.go b/server/player/hunger.go
index 9788fbe3e..311840774 100644
--- a/server/player/hunger.go
+++ b/server/player/hunger.go
@@ -30,13 +30,14 @@ func (m *hungerManager) Food() int {
 // SetFood sets the food level of a player. The level passed must be in a range of 0-20. If the level passed
 // is negative, the food level will be set to 0. If the level exceeds 20, the food level will be set to 20.
 func (m *hungerManager) SetFood(level int) {
+	m.mu.Lock()
+	defer m.mu.Unlock()
+	
 	if level < 0 {
 		level = 0
 	} else if level > 20 {
 		level = 20
 	}
-	m.mu.Lock()
-	defer m.mu.Unlock()
 	m.foodLevel = level
 }