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Overripe Fruit Fermentation Triggers False Positive for Alcohol
In an unusual twist, three bus drivers belonging to the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) were nearly penalized for drunk driving—even though they had not touched a drop of alcohol. The reason: overly ripe jackfruit.
The incident unfolded at the Pandalam depot in Pathanamthitta district during a routine morning breathalyser check. According to reports, the drivers tested for a blood alcohol content reading of 10, which is above the legally permissible limit for drivers in India.
Surprised by the result, the drivers insisted that they were completely sober. As confusion ensued, attention shifted to a jackfruit one of the drivers had brought from Kottarakara in Kollam district, which all three had recently eaten.
KSRTC Officials Investigate
To verify the unexpected results, KSRTC officials conducted a simple experiment. A driver, who had previously passed the breath test, was asked to eat a few pieces of the same jackfruit. Shortly after consumption, he tested positive for alcohol, confirming suspicions that the fruit was the culprit.
According to the findings, when jackfruit becomes overly ripe, the sugars in the fruit can start to ferment, leading to the production of alcohol. This naturally produced alcohol was enough to set off the breathalyser, triggering a false positive—despite the drivers’ innocence1.
“The fruit, when overly ripe, can get strongly fermented, which may have interfered with the breathalyser reading. The fermented sugar in the jackfruit led to the device showing presence of alcohol in the blood,” the report noted.
Authorities Urged to Be Cautious
The discovery prompted officials to reconsider the practice of relying solely on breathalyser results without considering possible dietary or environmental factors. The drivers were cleared of any wrongdoing, and the incident has encouraged further discussions on the accuracy and context of roadside alcohol testing.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purposes only. While breath testing is a valuable tool for road safety, results may occasionally be influenced by non-alcoholic factors such as certain foods or fermented products. If you are facing legal scrutiny after a positive breathalyser reading and have not consumed alcohol, consult legal or medical professionals for guidance.
