That is one of the reasons I dont' use a section dish even for infants - the puree sort of gradually mixes from one area to another so the last mouthfuls of each are a new taste experience. I do use large plates for the kids and try to put the food on with space for those that have issues with this but if it touches and they don't eat it well that is their choice. There is no tolerance for not eating the ones that aren't touching such as he can eat the mashed potatoes up to the meat part or eat the meat part from the other side up to the potato part and then I would likely have served more veggies on the side which would be separated as much as possible. He can have the dislike of combo if he wants but he has to learn to live within your definition of combo - eat as much of the food as you can till you reach the combo section and then stop if you must but that is it.