Belgian Florian Van Bael was told to leave the set when he was seen eating the pastry at what was considered to be an inappropriate moment.

The models on the photo shoot were supposedly put under strict supervision with agents monitoring what they ate, what they drank and how much they worked out.

Van Bael, 20, appears to have broken one of these rules and was fired.

The case illustrates that it is not just female models who are subject to harsh restrictions when it comes to their weight.

Fashion designers, including Victoria Beckham, have recently begun to shun ‘size zero’ models and this year New York Fashion Week hosted its first ‘plus size’ only fashion show.

The 30 male and female models were being shot by photographer Bruce Weber and the Panoramic Hotel in Montauk, New York when Van Bael was sacked.

The models were supposedly working 13-hour days on the orders of advertising agency Shahid & Co and paid far below the normal rates for seven days’ work - $2,500 for women (£1,570) and $1,500 for men (£940).

They were also given a $13 (£8) per day meal stipend but closely monitored on what they ate.

Van Bael's agent appeared to side with the advertising agency and criticised her client.