In a slightly fruity and boozy twist, several bus drivers in Kerala on July 18, 2025, failed routine breathalyzer tests – not because they were under the influence, but because they had simply indulged in jackfruits. Yes, apparently, the beloved fruit may come with unexpected side effects, ones that make you feel slightly tipsy. Let’s peel back the layers and understand the curious case of the fermented fruit fiasco!
Even without consuming a drop of alcohol, three Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) drivers landed in a bizarre situation. They tested positive in routine breathalyzer tests, but it was later revealed that they had just eaten slices of overripe jackfruit just before they took the test.
This incident took place at the Pandalam depot in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, leaving officials puzzled. Should they trust breathalyzer tests or the drivers’ claims?
To test and find out the truth, the police ate the same jackfruit and surprisingly, they too tested ‘inebriated’ in the breathalyzer test. This convinced the officials that it is indeed possible to come out as ‘inebriated’ in such tests after consuming jackfruit. Seeing the results that were false positives, they concluded that the accused were, in fact, innocent!
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According to many experts, the thenvarikka jackfruit variety, also called as honey jackfruit, is a popular and sweet variety originating from Kerala. This jackfruit variety is famous in South India for its exceptionally sweet, honey-like flavor, and long shelf life.
As the jackfruit starts ripening, natural fermentation starts occurring inside, leading to the production of ethanol. The fruit’s high glucose and fructose content only speeds up the process of converting sugars into ethanol, either naturally present or introduced through external contamination.
This process leads to the production of small traces of ethanol in the overripened fruit, and this can potentially cause false positives on breathalyzer tests if such tests are taken right after consuming overripe fruits. However, jackfruit alone does not have the ability to have this tipsy effect on your body. Experts state that there are other fruits, often fermented or overripe, that can leave traces of alcohol in your body if consumed shortly before breathalyzer tests.
Here are the fruits, food items, and other products that can leave a trace of alcohol in your body:
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Who knew consuming jackfruit could land you in police trouble? Well, it’s natural chemistry after all! So, the next time you’re consuming any of the foods mentioned above, remember to not instantly set out on the road – unless and until you wish to get stopped by the police and tested for your breath! In the case of the KSRTC drivers, alcohol was innocent (for once) and jackfruit was the culprit. Isn’t it strange?
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