There have been cases where individuals have been charged with a DUI because they consumed kombucha, which contains a small amount of alcohol. While the alcohol content in kombucha is typically low, it can still potentially affect breathalyzer test results.
Kombucha is a fermented tea that undergoes a fermentation process using yeast and bacteria. During this process, a small amount of alcohol is produced as a byproduct. The alcohol content in commercially available kombucha is usually less than 0.5%, which is considered non-alcoholic by law in many countries.
However, it is important to note that breathalyzer tests are not always accurate and can be influenced by various factors. These tests rely on measuring the amount of alcohol present in a person’s breath to estimate their blood alcohol content.
One potential issue with breathalyzer tests is the presence of residual alcohol in the mouth. If someone has recently consumed kombucha or any other alcoholic beverage, traces of alcohol can remain in their mouth and lead to a higher BAC reading on the breathalyzer. This is because the breathalyzer does not directly measure the alcohol content in the blood but rather estimates it based on the alcohol detected in the breath.
Furthermore, some individuals may have a higher concentration of alcohol-producing bacteria in their digestive system, which can result in higher alcohol levels in their breath. This can further contribute to inaccurate BAC readings.
It is worth noting that the majority of kombucha brands comply with regulations and ensure that their products contain alcohol levels below the legal limit. However, there have been instances where kombucha batches have been found to have higher alcohol content than stated on the label. This can potentially lead to unexpected BAC readings if consumed shortly before taking a breathalyzer test.
To avoid potential issues, it is advisable to wait a reasonable amount of time after consuming kombucha or any other alcoholic beverage before taking a breathalyzer test. This allows for the alcohol to be metabolized and eliminated from the body, reducing the risk of false positive results.
While kombucha generally contains low levels of alcohol, consuming it shortly before a breathalyzer test could potentially lead to higher BAC readings. It is important to be aware of this possibility and take necessary precautions, such as waiting an adequate amount of time before taking a breathalyzer test.