Hello again Yancyman, have some news for you, not sure if it's good or bad. For some reason my messages aren't being posted to you privately so this forum will have to do. Just got back from grocery store and have info for crackin the code.
BB/MA11OC12 12:23
BB = Best Before, there are 3 possibles for MA, either it's the French translation for Best Before - The actual Product Code - Warehouse Code (for where it is stored inside shipping house)
11OC12 is the actual Best Before Date 11th day of October 2012.
12:23 was the actual time it left the assembly line.
The wife and I went all Sherlock Holmes up in the grocery store and found that all, cocoa, coffee and other canned goods had on average of 1 year to a 3 year shelf life. We also asked the Grocery Manager for times sake and she verified our assumptions.
Hope the info helps my friend.