How the Food You Eat Can Impact Your Breathalyser Readings

bread and food impact on breathalyser readings

The Impact of Food on Breathalyser Accuracy

Breathalysers are widely used to measure blood alcohol concentration (BAC), but did you know that food and breathalyser readings are closely connected? Certain foods and drinks can cause misleading results, making it crucial to understand the impact of food on breathalyser accuracy.

Foods That Can Affect Breathalyser Readings

Some foods contain alcohol or compounds that mimic ethanol, leading to false positives or exaggerated BAC readings. Common culprits include:

Fermented Foods – Items like ripe fruit, soy sauce, or kombucha can contain trace amounts of alcohol that may be detected by a breathalyser.

Sugar-Free Products – Sugar substitutes like sorbitol or xylitol can ferment in the digestive system, potentially altering test results.

Yeast-Based Foods – Baked goods, especially those made with yeast, may produce minor amounts of alcohol during digestion.

Mouthwash and Breath Fresheners – Many of these contain alcohol, which can linger in the mouth and lead to inflated readings.

How Long Does the Impact of Food on Breathalyser Accuracy Last?

While food-related alcohol presence is typically short-lived, breathalyser results can be temporarily skewed. Waiting 15-20 minutes after eating before taking a breath test can help reduce the risk of false readings. Drinking water and rinsing the mouth can also minimise residual alcohol from food.

Understanding the Bigger Picture

Although food and breathalyser readings are connected, these effects are usually temporary and minor compared to actual alcohol consumption. However, awareness of these factors is essential, especially for individuals required to take breath tests for legal or workplace reasons.