10 Foods Could Cause False Positive Breath Alcohol Concentration Results
Breath Alcohol Concentration (BAC) tests are commonly used by law enforcement to determine if a person is driving under the influence. However, these tests aren’t always perfect. False positives can occur, sometimes leading to confusion and serious consequences.
Many everyday items, often found in your home or car, can trigger these false positives without the person being intoxicated. From mouthwash and medications to energy drinks and certain foods, seemingly harmless products can interfere with BAC readings.
1. Mouthwash and Breath Fresheners
Mouthwash, especially those containing alcohol, is a common cause of false positive BAC tests. The alcohol can linger on your breath for several minutes, affecting the test results.
Breath fresheners, like mints or sprays, may also contain alcohol-based ingredients that interfere with BAC tests. To avoid inaccuracies, it’s recommended to wait 15-20 minutes after using these products before taking a BAC test.
2. Cough Syrups and Medications
Over-the-counter and prescription medications, particularly cough syrups, may contain alcohol that can trigger a false positive on a BAC test. Some syrups contain up to 10-15% alcohol, which is absorbed into the bloodstream.
If you’ve taken a medication with alcohol, inform the testing officer to avoid confusion. Always check ingredient labels and choose alcohol-free alternatives when possible.
3. Fruity Foods and Fermented Products
Certain foods, particularly ripe fruits like apples, bananas, and pears, can ferment in the stomach and release small amounts of alcohol, potentially triggering a false positive on a Breath Alcohol Concentration test.
Fermented products like yogurt, kombucha, and vinegar may also contain trace alcohol. To minimize the risk, avoid consuming these foods right before a BAC test.
4. Energy Drinks and Soda
Energy drinks and sodas can contain trace amounts of alcohol, sometimes as a byproduct of fermentation or carbonation.
While the alcohol content is usually low, it can still trigger a false positive on a BAC test.
To avoid this, avoid consuming these beverages before a BAC test, especially if you’re unsure of their alcohol content.
5. Vinegar and Cooking Ingredients
Vinegar, cooking wine, and certain extracts, like vanilla, can contain trace amounts of alcohol and trigger a false positive on a BAC test.
To avoid this, refrain from consuming foods with alcohol-based ingredients before a BAC test, or inform the officer of your recent consumption.
6. Hand Sanitizers and Germicidal Products
Hand sanitizers and germicidal products often contain alcohol, which can trigger a false positive BAC test.
Although these products are used externally, alcohol can linger on your skin or evaporate into the air, affecting the breathalyzer’s reading.
Even small amounts of alcohol absorbed through the skin or inhaled can lead to an inaccurate result.
To avoid this, wait several minutes after using hand sanitizer or any alcohol-based germicidal products before taking a BAC test.
Additionally, informing the testing officer about the recent use of these products can help clarify the situation and prevent misunderstandings during the test.
7. Paint Thinners and Household Chemicals
Exposure to household chemicals like paint thinners and cleaning products, which contain alcohol-based solvents, can trigger a false positive BAC test.
Breathalyzers can detect the vapors from these products. To avoid this, inform the testing officer and avoid contact with these chemicals before a BAC test. Always use them in well-ventilated areas and allow time for fumes to dissipate.
8. Low-Alcohol Beverages
Non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages, such as some beers and wines, can cause a false positive on a BAC test. While these drinks contain only small amounts of alcohol (usually less than 0.5% ABV), they can still be detected by sensitive breathalyzers.
Even low alcohol content may trigger a positive result, depending on the breathalyzer’s sensitivity and the quantity consumed.
If you’ve had a non-alcoholic beer or similar drink, inform the testing officer to help explain a false positive. To avoid complications, wait a reasonable time before taking the BAC test after consuming such beverages.
9. Dietary Supplements and Protein Bars
Certain dietary supplements and protein bars may contain alcohol-based ingredients or trace alcohol that can trigger a false positive on a Breath Alcohol Concentration test.
Some protein bars, especially flavored or preserved ones, may include small amounts of alcohol in their ingredients.
Similarly, vitamins, energy supplements, or herbal products may use alcohol to extract active ingredients.
Even low alcohol content can be detected by sensitive breathalyzers. If you’ve recently consumed these products, check the ingredient list for alcohol-related components. Informing the testing officer can help clarify the situation and prevent misunderstandings during the BAC test.
10. Cosmetics and Fragrances
Many cosmetics, perfumes, and personal care products contain alcohol-based ingredients that can interfere with a Breath Alcohol Concentration test.
Alcohol is commonly used in lotions, deodorants, hairsprays, perfumes, and aftershaves for its preservative and solvent properties.
Although these products are applied to the skin and not ingested, the alcohol can evaporate and be inhaled or absorbed.
In some cases, the vapor or residue may be detected by a breathalyzer, causing a false positive result. If you’ve recently used these products, especially those with high alcohol content, wait a bit before taking a BAC test.
Informing the officer about the use of such products can help ensure more accurate results.
Everyday Items Can Cause False Positive Breath Alcohol Concentration Tests
False positive BAC tests can occur due to a variety of everyday items, many of which are commonly found in our homes or cars.
From mouthwash and medications to foods, household chemicals, and even personal care products, these seemingly harmless items can trigger a BAC reading that doesn’t accurately reflect a person’s level of impairment.
It’s essential to be aware of these potential culprits, especially if you’re required to take a breathalyzer test.
By informing the testing officer about any recent consumption of these items or exposure to alcohol-based products, you can help prevent unnecessary confusion and ensure that the test results are accurately interpreted.
In some cases, further testing, such as blood or urine analysis, may be needed to confirm the results and avoid the legal consequences that could arise from a false positive.