Breath test fails due to jackfruitImage Credit Source: Getty Images
Alcohol breath test positive after fruits: Every breed analyzer does not mean drinking alcohol. Some natural foods, such as jackfruit, apple and figs, can produce gas in the body in special conditions that affect the test. But this effect is for limited time and only to breath. Alcohol does not go in the blood. Therefore, it is important that medical and traffic officers understand this fact and do not make the results in a hurry.
One such incident in Kerala was stirred up. Some bus drivers of Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) were found positive in the liquor test (breath analyzer test), but later when investigated, it was revealed that they did not drink alcohol but ate cooked jackfruit. Not only this, Dr. L.H. of Lady Harding Medical College, Delhi Scam Told that this can be done not only with jackfruit but also two more fruits like apples and figs.
After all, how does this happen?
According to Dr. Ghotkar, when the fruits are severed or kept for a long time, then firmmentation (yeast rise) can start. In this process, with the help of bacteria, the fructose and glucose present in the fruit breaks and starts making gas named ethanol. This is the same gas that is also in alcohol. When we eat such firmant fruits, that gas comes out through breath and breath analyzer considers it alcohol.
Why the same effect in apple and figs?
When fruits like apple or figs are kept in a long time chopped or open environment, bacteria start to grow due to the fructose and glucose present in them. This process is called firmmentation (yeast raising). This makes a small amount of ethanol gas in them. When we eat such fruits, then it is made in the mouth or stomach and comes out with breath. Braith analyzer machine holds this ethanol gas and gives a signal like drinking alcohol. That is why this test can come positive, even if you have not drunk alcohol.
Can there be disturbances in blood tests too?
No, if you have only eaten formant fruits, then that gas is limited to the mouth and stomach only. These substances are not found in the blood, so there is no alcohol in the blood alcohol test. Blood test measures the really existing alcohol in the body and not breath or gas. Therefore, even if the breath test positive also comes, it will be clear from the blood test that there is no alcohol in the body.
Should policemen be afraid?
Should not be afraid, but must be alert. If you have eaten more cooked jackfruit, old figs or chopped apples and do a breath test, then wait a little or consult a doctor. Because the fruits can cause test positive and you may have unnecessary problems. It is important that traffic police and medical staff understand this so that no innocent is wrong.