// after data modify/remove alters the tag, it is reloaded by the block entity
default boolean tryLoadLootTable(CompoundTag tag) {
    // since the new tag removed it, this is false
    if (tag.contains("LootTable", 8)) {
        ...
    } else {
        // causing the handler to return without updating
        // the block entities internal state of the loot table

        // the below is an example fix
        // setLootTable(null);

        return false;
    }
}