LONDON — A children’s book authored by British chef Jamie Oliver has been pulled from shelves following backlash from First Nation Australians who found it offensive.

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation expressed strong criticism of “Billy And The Epic Escape,” which was released earlier this year.

The organization specifically pointed to a subplot featuring a First Nations girl in foster care, arguing that it perpetuates the “erasure, trivialization, and stereotyping of First Nations peoples and experiences.”

In response to the controversy, Oliver, 49, expressed his regret, stating that he was “devastated” by the offense caused and extended a “wholehearted” apology.

“It was never my intention to misinterpret this deeply painful issue. Together with my publishers, we have decided to withdraw the book from sale,” he commented.

Activists from First Nation communities were particularly upset by the lack of consultation from Oliver and his publisher, Penguin Random House, before the book’s release.

Addressing the situation, the publisher acknowledged their shortcomings: “It is clear that our publishing standards fell short on this occasion, and we must learn from that and take decisive action,” they stated. They noted agreement with Oliver to retract the book due to the oversight.

While promoting his latest recipe book in Australia, Oliver is among numerous celebrities who have ventured into children’s literature, a move that has drawn criticism from seasoned children’s authors who feel their space in the market is being diminished.

Last year, Oliver published his first children’s book, “Billy And The Giant Adventure,” posturing it as accessible by choosing a clear font, intended for those with dyslexia like himself, who may struggle with reading.

Rising to fame in 1999 with “The Naked Chef,” Oliver has been an advocate for children’s nutrition, notably sparking a debate in 2005 when he criticized the nutritional quality of school meals in the U.K.