Dishes that use alcoholic beverages as seasoning, sugary fruits, or easily fermentable drinks can create alcohol concentration.
According to Dr. Nguyen Huy Hoang from the Vietnam-Russia High-Pressure Oxygen Center, Ministry of National Defense, dishes that use alcoholic beverages as seasoning can cause breath to contain alcohol. For instance, some seafood dishes such as beer-steamed shrimp, beef hotpot with vinegar, and beef stew with wine; as well as dishes prepared with strong liquor and wine, such as chicken or pork knuckles cooked with alcohol.
Eating beer-steamed shrimp can create alcohol concentration in the body. (Illustrative image: Pexels).
Although consuming these foods does not affect the ability to operate a vehicle, it can still lead to a detectable level of alcohol in the breath, albeit not significant. About 30 minutes after eating or drinking plenty of water, the body will eliminate the alcohol.
Additionally, a small number of people with gastroesophageal reflux syndrome or those suffering from auto-brewery syndrome may also test positive for alcohol concentration in breath tests.
Alcoholic beverages made from fruit can also increase blood alcohol levels. Although these do not fall under the category of traditional alcoholic drinks, they are classified as alcoholic beverages, and thus, the public should exercise caution.
To avoid blowing a positive alcohol reading without consuming alcohol but merely from eating foods containing alcohol, Dr. Hoang advises that we should rest for 30 minutes after eating, rinse our mouths, and then drink additional water. If the alcohol level is still high, you can request law enforcement to allow for an additional 15 minutes before retesting.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines one unit of alcohol as follows: One unit of alcohol is equivalent to 10 grams of pure ethanol, which is equal to 200 ml of beer; 75 ml of wine (1 glass); 25 ml of strong liquor (1 shot). A healthy adult’s liver can eliminate one unit of alcohol approximately every hour.
In general, experts believe that it is impossible to calculate the exact time for alcohol elimination, as it varies between individuals and their dietary habits. The best advice is not to drive after consuming alcohol to avoid risks.
