Same day dispatch

New Zealand owned

1-3 year warranty

NZ's breathalyser specialist

Hot Cross Bun Breathalyzer Test: Truth About False Readings

18 October, 2023

A person holding a BACTrack breathalyzer with food and alcohol in the background

In some news, doing a hot cross bun breathalyzer test can pose positive results. However, other nutritionists and practitioners do not consider it accurate and reliable. Many people reflect on the validity of this situation. Some truths about the false readings include the condition of the breath tester, the ingredients present in the bun, and the procedure of testing. Nevertheless, the breathalyzer device can measure alcohol content in the body.

A breathalyzer test is significantly important to identify people who are intoxicated. This measures the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level that is present in the system. It is easy to administer and can provide prompt and accurate results. However, people should know what factors can affect the reliability of reading. This article will present more about the relationship between hot cross buns and breathalyzers , the truth behind the case, and tips for accurate results.

What is a Hot Cross Bun Breathalyzer Test

Many people seek information about the issue of a hot cross bun breathalyzer test. This case refers to the influence of eating a hot cross bun and doing a breathalyzer assessment. Some individuals think that the consumption of the buns poses a positive result in a breath tester. However, some people also consider that this is not accurate and other factors may influence the testing.

A hot cross bun is a sweet bread that is usually consumed during Good Friday or Easter in some countries. On the other hand, a breathalyzer is a portable device that measures BAC level. It helps to identify people who have high alcohol levels or exceed the legal limit for driving.

Accordingly, the buns do not contain any alcoholic substances. Therefore, there is no connection to how the breath tester turns positive. However, there are some instances that the bread is made at home, utilising different ingredients. Or the person uses alcohol before eating and testing. Thus, it results in a positive BAC level.

Ingredients in a Hot Cross Bun

The following are the ingredients present in a hot cross bun that may cause a false positive breathalyzer test:

  • Yeast – It is a fermenting agent that helps the dough to expand during the baking process. These yeasts consume sugar which may bring about the production of alcohol and carbon dioxide.
  • Spices – The buns are commonly in the flavour of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other sugary spices. The fermentation can produce alcoholic content due to sugar.
  • Dried Fruits – A hot cross bun usually has dried fruits like raisins or any seedless grapes. These kinds of fruits are used in making alcoholic drinks.

A person showing a breathalyzer test result

The Truth Behind the Positive Result in Hot Cross Bun Breathalyzer Test

In some cases, the hot cross bun breathalyzer test potentially displays a false positive result. However, some studies bring the truth that eating such buns does not really lead to a positive breathalyzer result. Whether it has a present ingredient of yeast, sugary spices, or dried raisins, it will rarely affect the test. The alcohol content in the bread is very low; thus, the BAC level will be below the legal limit.

Moreover, traditional hot cross buns do not contain any alcoholic components. Some homemade bread may be added with a lot of yeast, sugar, or raisins soaked in alcohol. In such cases, the buns may influence the amount of alcohol in the system. This may affect the breathalyzer test but will rarely be above the legal BAC limits.

Also, the bread is usual for Easter, and during that time, people tend to drink wine or alcoholic beverages. Eating a hot cross bun after that and doing a test will significantly affect the result of the breathalyzer. Moreover, the condition of the breathalyzer device may also impact the outcome.

Misconceptions

It is important to address some misconceptions about the case for clarity. Firstly, there is a low probability that a hot cross bun will result in a high BAC level. An outcome over the BAC limit may be due to prior drinking. Secondly, the alcohol content in the bread is minimal, even with yeast, spices, and raisins. The BAC level is too low for a breathalyzer to detect.

Also, in some cases, the hot cross bun is not the problem but the condition of the breathalyzer. Make sure that the device has proper recalibration and that the individual waits the appropriate time before the test.

A woman blowing in a breathalyzer device

Tips for Accurate Result for Hot Cross Bun Breathalyzer Test

While the hot cross bun breathalyzer test does not pose a significant positive result, it is vital to follow tips for accurate reading. When a person consumes food, it is advisable to take a 15 to 20-minute break before conducting the test. This will allow any alcohol content in the bun to subside. Also, it is desirable to drink and rinse the mouth with water. This is for the breath sample to be free from any substances.

Furthermore, while the alcoholic matter in the hot cross buns is insignificant, it is vital to avoid consuming other liquors. Drinking before eating can pose a significant amount of alcohol content. Additionally, make sure to read the user manual of the device and follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Know the right process and how long to blow the mouthpiece.

It is also vital to know the factors that can affect the accuracy of the test. This can be environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, and moisture. Another factor is the differences between people. This includes gender, weight, metabolism, and more.

Can a Person Get Arrested

In general, a person will not be arrested due to a positive test with the consumption of hot cross buns. This is because there are no studies that evidently show that eating bread poses a high BAC level. It is vital to note that the alcohol content in the buns is relatively low.

If someone turns out to be positive above the legal limit and covers it for eating the bread, that is a false representation. Exceeding the legal limit alone displays evidence of impairment. Police officers will ensure that people do not consume anything before the test to get accurate results.

Conclusion

Knowing the truth about the false reading of the hot cross bun breathalyzer test is important for accurate results. The bread may have ingredients like yeast, sugary spices, and raisins, but this will not result in a positive reading. Accordingly, a high BAC level is not due to the consumption of a hot cross bun. This may be because of prior alcohol use or the improper condition of the breathalyzer device.

There are some tips to ensure a reliable reading from the device. This involves the proper waiting time before doing the test, proper sample collection, and knowing factors that can influence the test. Also, a person cannot be put to jail just because of a positive result below the limit due to hot cross buns. Nevertheless, it is vital to recognise that the bread does not pose a risk of causing a result higher than the BAC limit.

0
    Shopping Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop
      Calculate Shipping
      Shipping options will be updated during checkout.
      A person holding a BACTrack breathalyzer with food and alcohol in the background

      Your Perfect Match

      Also Recommended

      Why upgrade?

      Driving Restrictions? (P Platers, Zero Tolerance etc)

      Is Device Size Important?

      Is Device Size Important?

      Is Device Size Important?

      Your Perfect Match

      Why upgrade?

      Your Perfect Match

      Also Recommended

      Why upgrade?

      Your Perfect Match

      Also Recommended

      Why upgrade?

      Your Perfect Match

      Also Recommended

      Why upgrade?

      Your Perfect Match

      Also Recommended

      Why upgrade?

      Your Perfect Match

      Why upgrade?

      Would you like extra mouthpieces?

      Your Perfect Match

      Also Recommended

      Why upgrade?

      Your Perfect Match

      Also Recommended

      Why upgrade?

      Your Perfect Match

      Also Recommended

      Why upgrade?

      Your Perfect Match

      Also Recommended

      Why upgrade?

      Your Perfect Match

      Also Recommended

      Why upgrade?

      Thank you for registering your breathalyser.

      Our system will now automatically send you a notification when your calibration is due.

      You may be interested in…

      Your Perfect Match

      Also Recommended

      Why upgrade?

      Your Perfect Match

      Why upgrade?

      Are you Testing Employees?