Mum slams Tesco for selling blue face masks ‘for boys’ after her nine-year-old daughter asked why they weren’t for girls

A MUM has hit out at Tesco for selling blue face masks “for boys” after her daughter asked why she couldn't wear one.

Sarah Louise, 43, accused the supermarket of “propagating nonsense” with the £3.50 coverings – which are covered in a football pattern.

She was shopping with daughter Mara, nine, when she spotted the pack of masks - which she thinks is “casual stereotyping”.

The packaging states that the item is for boys aged four to eight years old.

Carer Sarah decided to complain about the issue after Mara asked why the masks are suitable for her brother but not for her.

Sarah said to Tesco: “I was in your shop at the weekend with my family and we spotted these ‘boys’ facemasks at the till.

“My daughter wondered what made them suitable for her brother, but not for her.  I had no good answer to give her and wondered if you could help.

After being contacted by The Sun Online, Tesco decided to ditch the gender specific labelling and instead call them "for kids".

A Tesco spokesperson said: “We want everyone to feel welcome at Tesco and after receiving customer feedback we have decided to change the packaging for this product.

"We are sorry for any offence caused and are grateful to our customers for sharing their thoughts.”

The new neutral packaging will be in store in the next few weeks.

Sarah was at a Long Eaton branch on Sunday when Mara pointed out the pack "for boys".

Sarah said: "My daughter raised her eyes and asked ‘why not for girls?’  

“She knew it was just a stereotype, which is a bit sad at nine-years-old.

“I think casual stereotyping like this is just a small reflection of a bigger problem.  

“It reinforces perceptions that certain sports and occupations are for girls and others are for boys.

“I felt nothing overwhelming after seeing it, just a bit irritated and sad to see a large brand, who should know better, propagating this nonsense.  

"No-one really put much thought into it, it wasn't malicious, but I think it's important to challenge these sorts of stereotypes.”

The retailer has previously been slammed for an aisle sign which said “Girls Toys” – with shoppers calling it “gender biased”.