[WATCH] Hot Cross Bun alters breathalyzer machine results, sending social media into a frenzy
Review spoke to Simon Zwane, spokesperson for the Road Traffic Management Corporation to get clarity on the matter
POLOKWANE – A video doing the rounds on social media showing a breathalyzer machine’s readings being altered after eating a hot cross bun has sent social media into a frenzy.
Read more: Drinking and Driving: Know the limit
The video shows a ‘Mr Williams’ seated at a desk as he blows into a breathalyzer machine. The reading comes out at 0.00. He then eats a hot cross bun and blows into the machine once again, with the reading coming out at 0.21.
We’re in trouble!
Especially during the Easter Weekend with Hot Cross Buns 😱
Surely there must be some malfunction here?
If this is true, imagine the unlawful arrests!
You eat 3 of these buns, you’re done!
Can the authorities clarify please! pic.twitter.com/T9k4dmrV5C
— Tumi Sole (@tumisole) April 17, 2019
“No man, something is definitely wrong,” he was heard saying in the video.
According to the South African Police Service’s website, one’s blood may not have an alcohol content of more than 0.05%. SAPS says this means that even after what you may think is a “small drink”, you could be over the limit.
“If you have more than 350ml of beer or if you have more than a single tot of brandy or other spirit, you may already be over the limit. Remember that these levels of alcohol will remain in your system for up to eight hours after consumption.”
With this in mind, Review spoke to Simon Zwane, the spokesperson for the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) who said they are aware of the video but says the equipment used is not the equipment used to prosecute drunk drivers.
“There is a process that one has to go through. Results obtained on a screening device, like the one in the video, have to be validated on an actual EBAT machine or through blood testing,” he explained.
Since the posting of the video, social media has reacted asking whether other foods will also alter the results, while others say people will be unlawfully arrested.
It's possibly the effect of yeast in the buns that's registering alcohol on the breathe. 😳
— LaurenAaliyahKolia 💙 🇿🇦 (@kolia786) April 17, 2019
https://twitter.com/Freakem0n/status/1118382237064552451
https://twitter.com/techottness/status/1118366586317037569
Nah this is not good at all, people are going to be unlawfully arrested here.
— @kgabeDimo (@kgabedimo) April 17, 2019
Zwane went on to say that people should not panic, but at the same time, should not drink and drive. “Motorists should not drink and drive and use this as an excuse, thinking they’ll get away with it,” he concluded.
