An NFL promotion offering free DNA test kits to Ravens fans will be postponed for later this season, biotech company Orig3n announced Sunday.
Fans would have been offered the kits for DNA Day at M&T Bank Stadium for the Ravens home opener against the Cleveland Browns. But Boston-based firm Orig3n, which was sponsoring the event, said in a statement that it is working to address questions from state officials.
"We received an overwhelmingly positive response to the first-ever DNA Day, and we remain committed to our mission," the company said in a statement. "Since 2014, we have been helping people understand the links between their genes and how their minds and bodies work through our DNA tests and community events. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Ravens."
Had DNA Day gone on as planned, fans who choose to participate would have been able to learn about their genetic makeup. The procedure would begin when a fan swabs the inside of their cheek, drops the sample into a stadium bin and registers with the company online.
Orig3n was offering _ for free _ a test of four genes, including the ACTN3 gene, which the firm said can yield information on whether a person "is likely to have enhanced performance in power and sprint activities or is considered normal."
The Ravens called it "one of the most innovative events a partner has ever spearheaded."
But the promotion drew criticism over the mass collection of DNA samples raising privacy concerns.
Bethesda-based attorney Bradley Shear said previously that he had "serious concerns about the privacy, safety and security of the data being collected and if fans understand the legal ramifications."
Orig3n said it uses "stringent security standards" to ensure that customers' genetic information is protected. DNA swabs, it said, come directly to the lab "and the results go directly back to you."
