Can Eating Lychees Cause a False DUI Reading? Media Investigation: Yes, But Don’t Panic

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As the summer heat intensifies, so does the anticipation for seasonal treats like lychees. But a recent test raises a potentially sticky question for fruit enthusiasts: can indulging in these sweet, juicy spheres lead to a false positive on a breathalyzer test?

A recent report investigated the claim that consuming fresh lychees could register as a “driving under the influence” (DUI) violation. The investigation involved a hands-on experiment conducted at a local traffic police station.

The results were, shall we say, eye-opening. Immediately after consuming a single lychee, the test showed a reading of 18mg/100ml. After just two fruits, that number jumped to 33mg/100ml, firmly placing the subject within the legal limit for DUI in some jurisdictions.

Further testing revealed a plateau. After consuming a larger quantity—between three and five lychees—the readings stabilized around 55mg/100ml, without any further significant increase.

The good news? The effects appear to be fleeting. After just two minutes, readings dropped to 18mg/100ml. A mere five minutes later, the alcohol concentration plummeted to around 4mg/100ml, close to non-detectable levels.

The takeaway? While experiencing a temporary “lychee-induced DUI” reading is possible, it shouldn’t cause major concern. The report suggests that in many instances, the alcohol levels derived from a fruit-filled snack will not lead to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that would be in violation of actual DUI laws.

Authorities advise that anyone who suspects they’ve received a false positive can request a retest after a short waiting period or after rinsing their mouth with water.

It’s worth noting that lychees aren’t the only potential culprits. Similar “false positive” results can come from seemingly innocuous sources like certain baked goods, durian, grapes, some over-the-counter medications (like those with added alcohol), mouthwashes, and breath fresheners. However, like the lychee effect, these issues are typically transient, resolving within minutes.