Georgia DUI False Positive from Eating Bread

Georgia law enforcement agents use the Intoxilyzer 5000 breath machine to determine the blood alcohol content (BAC) of individuals suspected of driving under the influence (DUI). Unfortunately, this breathalyzer has a great deal of shortcomings. For example, the machine operates under the assumption that everyone has a 1:2100 breath-to-blood ratio, and it may measure mouth alcohol rather than deep lung air. Perhaps the oddest thing that produces a false result is the consumption of bread. That’s right—eating bread could artificially inflate your BAC.

A well-known defense attorney discovered that bread can affect the breath test results while conducting an experiment in which he consumed different types of foods and then tested himself. His BAC levels after eating bread ranged from .03% to .05%. Upon hearing his findings, scientists at the Washington State Toxicology Laboratory decided to conduct their own study. They confirmed the claim.

Why does bread show up as alcohol on the breathalyzer test? Most bread contains yeast, which produces alcohol during the fermentation process. While most of the alcohol dissipates during baking process, a small amount may remain in the bread. Considering that bread has a tendency to get stuck in your teeth and remain there until you brush or floss and that it may absorb alcohol from any drinks you consume, you can see how it can produce a false BAC result.

While eating bread will not raise your BAC over the legal limit (.08% for drivers over 21), if you have a few drinks and eat bread, it has the potential to push you over the limit. So if you go to an Italian restaurant and eat some bread sticks and then have a couple of glasses of wine, you could test over the limit and be arrested for DUI.

If you are facing a Georgia DUI after eating bread on the night of your arrest, fill out our online form today. An experienced DUI defense attorney will contact you promptly to discuss the circumstances of your case and how he or she can fight your charges.

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