If you are already stocking up on tasty treats for Christmas, be sure to check the dates on the packets – especially if you shop in Marks & Spencer.

The store has been caught selling mini Christmas puddings with a best before date of October 20 – nine weeks before Christmas.

It means they will probably be safe to eat after this date, provided they are stored correctly, but they might be stale by the time the festive season is upon us.

Marks & Spencer has been caught selling mini Christmas puddings with a best before date of October 20 – nine weeks before Christmas

Described as 'rich all butter puddings made with juicy vine fruits, brandy and glace cherries, topped with brandy icing and Christmas sparkle', they were not the only product displaying a limited shelf-life.

Other festive treats with imminent expiry dates spotted by an eagle-eyed shopper, included Shimmering Snowy Road Bites, with a best before date of October 31, and Mini Christmas Cake Bites, marked November 17.

The customer, who asked not to be named, said: 'I went shopping at M&S in Westfield Stratford City, in East London, and saw the mini puddings on a three for two offer.

'I was hoping to keep them until Christmas Day but noticed they had a best before date of late October.

The puddings will probably be safe to eat after this date, provided they are stored correctly, but they might be stale by the time the festive season is upon us

An M&S spokesman said: 'Our customers like to try our festive range long before Christmas and then return to store nearer the time to buy a fresh products'. The nine Mini Christmas Puddings are available for £4

'I asked a member of staff if they had any which would still be in date by Christmas and he had a look but there weren't any.

'It's lucky I saw the date because it would have been a bit embarrassing to serve stale puddings to my family on Christmas Day.

'I was shocked that these had such a short date on them. If a shop is selling Christmas food you expect to be able to eat it at Christmas.'

An M&S spokesman said: 'Our customers like to try our festive range long before Christmas and then return to store nearer the time to buy a fresh products.