Controversy Over Lychee Consumption and Breathalyzer Tests: Miaoli Police Chief Advises Drivers to Rinse Mouth First

Central News Agency Report

(Taiwan News Correspondent Kuan Jui-ping, Miaoli County, June 11) Huang Fang-tsung, a Kuomintang-affiliated Miaoli County councilor, stated today that police officers have tested positive for alcohol after eating lychees, raising concerns about potential执法 controversies. Miaoli County Police Chief Li Chung-ping responded that drivers who have just consumed fermented foods can first drink water or rinse their mouths before testing to avoid affecting accuracy.

During a council session, Huang played a video showing a police officer who, after eating two lychees, nearly exceeded the legal alcohol limit on a breathalyzer test. Huang warned that if such tests are accurate, they could lead to执法 disputes and be exploited by individuals attempting to use lychee consumption as an excuse to avoid or refuse alcohol testing.

In response, Police Chief Li explained that the Traffic Division of the police department has conducted similar tests and confirmed that certain foods—such as durian, lychees, and fermented bread—can produce a temporary alcohol reading if tested immediately after consumption. However, he emphasized that these trace amounts of ethanol are quickly metabolized by the body.

Li added that the National Police Agency has established standard operating procedures (SOPs) for breathalyzer tests. In practice, if a driver has consumed fermented fruits or foods, officers will first ask them to drink water and rinse their mouths, then wait 15 minutes before retesting. In cases involving only lychee consumption, post-rinsing tests show almost no residual alcohol.

Yang Wen-chih, Director of the Miaoli County Public Health Bureau, told the Central News Agency that ripe lychees undergo "anaerobic fermentation," which can convert sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. However, the amount absorbed by the stomach when eating the fruit directly is negligible. Even if a breathalyzer detects alcohol, it does not necessarily indicate the presence of alcohol in the bloodstream. (Edited by Li Ming-tsung) 1150611