Macy’s scrubs novelty food plates

A single tweet complaining about novelty plates that measured food portions by “skinny jeans,” “favorite jeans” and “mom jeans” prompted Macy’s to drop the product only hours later.

Alie Ward, a science reporter and podcast host based in Los Angeles, was walking by the flagship Macy’s store New York when she saw the plates in a display window.

Ward was taken aback by what she saw as bodyshaming messaging, especially for people who struggle with their weight or have eating disorders.

“It’s such a gross sentiment and also very out of touch with what’s fashionable right now,” she said.

Four hours later, Macy’s apologized for having “missed the mark” and said it would remove the plates, which were available only at the New York location.

The plates are part of a collection offered through Macy’s brick-and-mortar STORY exhibit, which carries products from mostly small businesses at 36 stores in 15 states, according to a news release.

The original plates are from online retailer Pourtions, run by couple Dan and Mary Cassidy, which offers dinnerware and glassware all labeled with captioned portions. The “mom jeans” plates are advertised on the brand’s website for $9.50 each.

The product description reads, “There’s nothing like broken-in, faded, rippedin-the-right-place jeans. They look great, and more importantly, they fit great. So, keep your eye on the middle circle and you’ll always be in fashion.”

The response to the plates and their removal has been mixed. Some on Twitter criticized Macy’s for giving in so quickly and being overly sensitive. Others supported Ward’s sentiment.

Pourtions president Mary Cassidy said in an email statement that the brand’s intent is to support healthy eating and drinking.

“We feel badly if what was meant to be a lighthearted take on the important issue of portion control was hurtful to anyone,” said Cassidy, also adding, “It can be tough sometimes to be as mindful and moderate in our eating and drinking as we’d like, but a gentle reminder can make a difference. That was all we ever meant to encourage.”