Alcohol Breath Test: Foods and Drinks That May Trigger a False Positive

Even if you have not consumed any alcohol, certain foods and beverages can cause an alcohol breath tester to react. The main causes are items that naturally contain or produce small amounts of alcohol.

ーFermented Foodsー
Foods such as kimchi and miso may cause the alcohol checker to react if eaten immediately before testing. Bread can also trigger a reaction because the dough is fermented during production. In addition, foods made with sake lees, such as NARAZUKE, require caution.

ーWestern-style Sweetsー
Some Western-style sweets use liqueur to enhance flavor. Items like rum raisin or whisky bonbons clearly contain alcohol, but even jelly, pudding, chocolate, and baked sweets may include small amounts. It is important to be aware of this when consuming them before driving.

ーNon-alcoholic Beveragesー
Some non-alcoholic beverages still contain trace amounts of alcohol. While some products are labeled 0.00%, others may contain between 0.1% and 0.9%. Even drinks labeled “non-alcoholic” may include small amounts of alcohol, so please check carefully. The same caution applies to non-alcoholic cocktails and chuhai. Sweet sake (amazake) also comes in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions, so choose carefully if you plan to drive.

Nutritional and Energy Drinks
Depending on the product, some nutritional or energy drinks contain small amounts of alcohol as an additive. If you drink these before driving, please check the label and be cautious.

Other Items That May Trigger a Reaction During Alcohol Breath Testing

In addition to foods and beverages, certain medications, disinfectants, toothpaste, mouthwash, denture cleaners, and even tobacco products may cause a reaction on an alcohol breath tester.

ーTobaccoー
When smoking, you also inhale carbon monoxide. As a result, carbon monoxide can remain in the mouth immediately after smoking, which may cause the alcohol checker to react.

ーToothpaste and Oral Care Productsー
Many people brush their teeth or use oral care products after meals. Toothpaste, mouthwash, and similar products can cause a reaction if the test is taken right after use. Chewing gum containing xylitol or menthol may also affect the results. After oral care, it is recommended to wait at least 20 minutes and rinse your mouth before using the alcohol checker.

Recommended Actions When a Reaction Occurs
If the device shows a reaction, rinse your mouth with water and wait at least 15 minutes before retesting. For more accurate results, it is recommended to rinse your mouth and allow some time to pass before taking the alcohol test. Proper alcohol testing helps protect your own safety and the safety of those around you.

Reference：Alcohol checker information centre
https://alcohol-checker.info/column/easy-detect-foods/