Here’s What Happened When A Football Team Decided To Give Out Free DNA Tests

At the Ravens vs. Browns game on Sunday, a biotech startup had planned to hand out tens of thousands of free genetic tests. But the promotion was axed at the last minute after questions from the Maryland health department.

A biotech startup called Orig3n and the Baltimore Ravens abruptly canceled their plans to give away a free DNA test to 55,000 football fans at Sunday’s game, apparently because of concerns raised by state health officials.

“Orig3n received some late breaking questions from government officials in Maryland and wanted to ensure Orig3n, and Maryland officials, had time to have a dialog before the event which unfortunately could not happen in time for this weekend,” a company spokesperson told BuzzFeed News by email.

The Maryland Department of Health confirmed to BuzzFeed News that it was “in communications with Orig3n,” but declined to elaborate.

The test makes dubious claims about how four genes influence health and wellness traits, such as how your skin will age, whether you learn words quickly, and your athletic prowess. Interested fans would have dabbed the inside of their...