Retailer faces backlash over children’s clothing item featuring fruit-themed slogan

Zara has pulled a £10.99 children’s T-shirt from sale after complaints were made by a mother over its allegedly inappropriate design.

Laura Wilson, 32, from Bromley, south London, came across the controversial garment at Zara’s Bluewater Shopping Centre location. The shirt featured an image of a strawberry with the slogans “The perfect snack” on one side and “Take a bite” on the other, raising concerns about potential sexual connotations.

The shirt, which was marketed to children as young as six, prompted Wilson to share her reaction on TikTok, where her post quickly went viral. “I was shocked when I saw it. All I could think of was the inappropriate implication of ‘the perfect snack,'” she said. Wilson noted she felt strongly about calling attention to it and asked others online if they agreed.

Critics of the design cited the term “snack,” which according to some online dictionaries, can imply physical attractiveness or desirability. This sparked debate about whether the wording was appropriate for children’s clothing.

Zara responded to the backlash by apologising and removing the product from stores and its website. A spokesperson stated: “The intention behind the use of the word ‘snack’ on this T-shirt was purely literal, referencing the image of a strawberry. We regret any offence caused by differing interpretations and have acted to remove the item from sale.”

Wilson said she did not wish to be seen as overprotective but felt compelled to speak up about the issue, which many online echoed in agreement.