Can Jackfruit Cause Intoxication? This Shocking Case from Kerala Raises Questions

A bizarre and surprising incident has emerged from Kerala, India, where three government bus drivers failed a breathalyzer test — not because they consumed alcohol, but reportedly after eating jackfruit. The case has left both the public and officials puzzled and has raised an unusual question: Can eating jackfruit make you appear drunk or intoxicated?

What Happened in Kerala?

The incident occurred in the Pathanamthitta district, specifically at the Pandalam depot. Three drivers from the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) tested positive during a routine breathalyzer test conducted before their driving duties. What startled the authorities was that none of the three had consumed any alcohol.

Upon questioning, the drivers explained that they had recently eaten ripe jackfruit before taking the test. This revelation baffled officials, who decided to conduct an experiment to verify the claim.

The Jackfruit Experiment

To validate the drivers’ statements, one of the staff members also consumed the same variety of ripe jackfruit and then underwent a breathalyzer test. Shockingly, the result was positive again — indicating the presence of alcohol in the breath.

This confirmed that the breathalyzer machine was detecting some kind of alcohol content, not from alcoholic beverages, but possibly from the fruit itself.

How Can Jackfruit Trigger a Positive Breathalyzer Result?

According to food and nutrition experts, the type of jackfruit in question is known as Thenvarikka, often referred to as "honey jackfruit" due to its high sweetness and aroma. This variety is known to undergo natural fermentation when overripe, producing ethanol, the same alcohol found in alcoholic beverages.

If someone consumes an overripe jackfruit rich in ethanol and immediately takes a breathalyzer test, the machine may detect the ethanol on their breath and register a false positive for alcohol consumption.

It’s Not Just Jackfruit

Experts also warn that this phenomenon isn’t limited to jackfruit. Other fruits like bananas, mangoes, and durians, especially when overripe, can also undergo natural fermentation and release small amounts of ethanol.

While the ethanol levels from fruits aren’t enough to cause actual intoxication or impair judgment, they can confuse alcohol-detecting devices like breathalyzers if consumed right before testing.

Key Takeaways

• Jackfruit, especially the Thenvarikka variety, can produce ethanol when overripe.
• Ethanol from natural fermentation can trigger false positives in breathalyzer tests.
• Three bus drivers in Kerala were wrongly flagged for alcohol consumption after eating ripe jackfruit.
• A controlled experiment confirmed the connection between the fruit and the breathalyzer results.
• Other fruits such as bananas, mangoes, and durians can also have a similar effect.

Final Note

This case underscores the importance of context in alcohol testing and the potential for natural foods to influence test results. While eating jackfruit won’t get you drunk, it may trick a machine into thinking you are — especially if consumed just before a test.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or legal advice. For specific concerns, always consult with a qualified expert.