Kerala KSRTC Driver Fails Breathalyzer at 0.0 After Eating Jackfruit, Prompting Equipment Check
A KSRTC bus driver in Pathanamthitta falsely tested positive on a breathalyzer after eating ripe jackfruit. Investigation reveals the fruit triggered the reading, raising questions about device accuracy
image for illustrative purpose
A KSRTC bus driver at the Pandalam depot in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, failed a routine breathalyzer test on July 18—despite having a 0.0% BAC—after eating overripe jackfruit, according to reported accounts.
Another driver had brought fresh jackfruit, shared it with colleagues, and several staff consumed several bulbs. When one driver took the breath test, the device suddenly showed 10 mg/100 ml—well above the expected alcohol-free result. Three other drivers met the same fate.
To rule out equipment fault, officials tested the breathalyzer on an official before and after eating jackfruit. The pre-test showed zero, but the post-test flagged alcohol. This prompted the authorities to examine the device’s reliability.
False positive trigger: Natural fermentation or compounds in ripe jackfruit may mimic alcohol on breathalyzer sensors.jackfruit breathalyzer false positive, KSRTC driver jackfruit BAC, Kerala breath test anomaly, jackfruit triggers alcohol reading, Pathanamthitta KSRTC incident
Multiple affected individuals: Several drivers registered false positives, not just one.
Device investigation underway: Authorities are verifying the breathalyzer’s accuracy following the anomaly.
