If the date was printed wrong the co-packer would have to eat it. They obviously didn't have the sell thru they expected and are now looking for a way out that will save face for the brand. They don't want to admit their product doesn't move fast enough to avoid experation because distributors will lose faith in the brand or see the direction it's heading. They should use them as freebies or dump em.
Thats just my 2 cents