Alternatively, one might take this as a sign that the deeming regulation (which we've still not seen the final text of) might NOT "ban the manufacture and sale of ALL bottles of nicotine containing e-liquid".
It could be a 'sign' of a lot of things. Just off the top of my head:
The FDA thinks the new grandfather date might pass the House and the new Republican majority Senate - and want '
something' for child proofing/labeling in place.
It could mean that the deeming is a no-go at OMB.
Or that the deeming and the science is so bad that some court would throw out the whole thing using 'our guys' science - ie. They know we're right and don't want the court cases to follow. Or Zeller doesn't want to lose his job over it.
Or as Bill suggests - to confuse the opposition and scare the public once more - and help the lobbying efforts to stop the new grandfather date or complete the deeming as is.