A Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus driver faced an unexpected predicament after a routine breathalyzer test indicated the presence of alcohol in his system, which he attributed to consuming jackfruit. The incident, which occurred at the Vithura KSRTC depot, has sparked both amusement and concern, raising questions about the accuracy of breathalyzer tests and the potential influence of certain foods on their results.
The driver, preparing for his shift, underwent a mandatory alcohol screening, which to his surprise, showed a positive reading. He vehemently denied consuming any alcohol and suggested that the jackfruit he had eaten shortly before the test was the cause. He had shared the jackfruit with his colleagues at the Pandalam KSRTC depot. According to an official, another driver brought the jackfruit from his house to the depot to share with his colleagues. The driver in question consumed a good amount of the fruit. As was routine, he then underwent the breathalyzer test. To everyone's shock, the driver who had eaten the most jackfruit bulbs tested positive with a reading of 10 — well above the permissible legal alcohol limit.
Ripe jackfruit, especially when overripe, can undergo natural fermentation, producing trace amounts of ethanol. Experts suggest that these small amounts of ethanol can be enough to confuse breathalyzers, mimicking the signs of alcohol consumption.
Initially skeptical, transport officials are now re-evaluating testing procedures, particularly in regions where jackfruit and similar fermented foods are common dietary staples. Health experts have also weighed in, emphasizing the need for awareness regarding how natural foods can impact alcohol detection methods.
To verify the breathalyzer results, a sample test was conducted. An employee first blew into the device before eating the jackfruit, and the test result was zero. After consuming a few bulbs from the same fruit, he repeated the test — surprisingly, the device registered a positive reading. Several other staff members who had tested negative initially began registering high readings after eating the jackfruit, thus solving the mystery. Some staffers speculated that the fruit might have undergone natural fermentation, possibly due to being overripe, thereby releasing alcohol-like compounds that triggered the breathalyser reading.
The Kerala State Transport Department is expected to formally review the case, and officials have indicated that the disciplinary action against the driver may be reversed pending further investigation. The incident has gone viral on local media, prompting discussions about the reliability of breath analyzers and their suitability in diverse culinary environments. For now, KSRTC drivers might think twice before enjoying jackfruit before reporting for duty.
