Jackfruit Sparks False Breathalyzer Alert for KSRTC Drivers in Kerala

Pandalam: Three Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus drivers narrowly escaped drunk-driving charges last week at the Pandalam depot in Pathanamthitta district after a breathalyzer test mistakenly flagged them for alcohol consumption due to eating overripe jackfruit. The unusual incident showed how the thenvarikka jackfruit’s fermentation tricked breathalyzers, raising questions about testing accuracy in public transport.

Breathalyzer Test Failure on July 18, 2025

On July 18, 2025, during a routine morning breathalyzer test, a mandatory procedure for KSRTC drivers to ensure passenger safety, the three drivers registered a blood alcohol level of 10, exceeding KSRTC’s zero-tolerance policy of any detectable alcohol. Despite their adamant claims of not consuming alcohol, the positive readings sparked confusion. The drivers, stationed at Pandalam depot, insisted on their innocence, prompting KSRTC officials to investigate the anomaly. Their attention turned to a ripe thenvarikka jackfruit, known for its honey-like sweetness and cultural significance in Kerala, brought by a driver from Kottarakara in Kollam district.

Experiment Confirms Jackfruit’s Role

To resolve the mystery, KSRTC officials conducted a controlled experiment at the depot. A driver who had previously tested negative consumed several pieces of the same overripe jackfruit. Within minutes, the breathalyzer registered a positive reading, mirroring the earlier results. This confirmed the fruit’s fermented sugars caused the false positives, clearing the drivers of any wrongdoing. The experiment underscored the need for greater awareness of breathalyzer interferences in KSRTC’s rigorous testing protocols.

Prior KSRTC Breathalyzer Issue in Kozhikode

A similar incident occurred in April 2025 at KSRTC’s Kozhikode depot, where a driver failed a breathalyzer test after consuming cough syrup containing ethanol or similar compounds. The driver was cleared after officials verified the syrup’s role, prompting KSRTC to review its testing procedures. This earlier case heightened awareness of non-alcoholic substances causing false positives, setting the stage for the Pandalam investigation.

Expert Insights on Breathalyzer Sensitivity

Experts explained that overripe jackfruit, rich in glucose and fructose, undergoes natural fermentation, producing trace amounts of ethanol that mimics alcohol on breath tests. Pathologists noted that breathalyzers, designed to detect ethanol, may misinterpret fermentation byproducts from foods like thenvarikka jackfruit. Other fermented items, including bananas, mangoes, kimchi, and non-alcoholic beer, can also trigger false positives, especially in sensitive devices used in zero-tolerance settings like KSRTC.

Implications for KSRTC and Public Awareness

The incident sparked discussions within KSRTC about breathalyzer sensitivity and potential interferences. Officials are considering training programs to educate drivers about foods that could affect test results, ensuring compliance with safety standards. The case also raised public awareness about the limitations of breathalyzer technology, encouraging broader understanding of how everyday items can impact alcohol detection in professional settings.

(Rh/Eth/PB/MSM/SE)