Sainsbury’s Christmas food ordering service went live this week after “issues” delayed the ­service’s website.

Shoppers could order Christmas food from 15 October, but the site was not up and running until Wednesday (22 October).

Sainsbury’s told ­shoppers on Facebook the web issue meant ­in-store booklets for the service were also delayed.

Confused shoppers wanting to place their order contacted Sainsbury’s after a Google search for the service brought up last year’s page, with the message ‘We’re no longer taking orders for Christmas food.’

There are 74 products available to order this festive season - up from 27 three years ago.