Lena Savoie
A video posted on social media in 2019 sparked concerns about whether eating hot cross buns could cause someone to blow over the drink-driving limit. In the video, a truck driver from Western Australia demonstrates how eating a hot cross bun can increase their blood alcohol level to over the legal driving limit in Australia. This video has since sparked a debate about whether hot cross buns can, in fact, give a false alcohol reading. While some people have debunked the theory, citing the quality of breath-testing equipment as the real issue, others have pointed to the yeast and fruit content in hot cross buns as the potential cause of false alcohol readings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of alcohol reading | Fermentation of yeast and sugar |
| Alcohol content | Trace amounts |
| Alcohol persistence | Very short time in the mouth |
| Blood alcohol test result | 0.00 |
| Breathalyser test result | Positive |
| Factors influencing breathalyser results | Food in the mouth, yeast content, quality of equipment |
| Time to wait before breathalyser test | 15-20 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Fermentation of yeast, raisins and dough creates alcohol
Hot cross buns are sweet buns that sometimes contain dried fruit and spices and are marked with a cross on top. They are traditionally eaten on Good Friday or Easter. The raisins or currants in hot cross buns are often soaked in rum or water before being added to the dough. The dough itself is also a fermented mixture of yeast, milk, eggs, butter, sugar, flour, and salt.
Fermentation is a metabolic process that yeast undergoes in the absence of oxygen, resulting in the production of ethanol and carbon dioxide. In bread-making, the ethanol evaporates during baking, but a small amount may remain, which could potentially result in a positive alcohol reading on a breathalyser test. However, this amount is not enough to be processed by the body and would not show up in a blood test.
The fermentation process in hot cross bun dough is essential for the development of gluten, which gives structure to the bread and contributes to its airy texture. The dough is typically allowed to ferment at a controlled temperature for several hours or overnight, depending on the recipe. This fermentation process, along with the addition of rum-soaked raisins, contributes to the slight alcohol content detected in hot cross buns.
The presence of alcohol in hot cross buns is not due to a single ingredient but rather the combination of fermented yeast dough and rum-soaked raisins. The amount of alcohol present is minimal and not enough to cause any significant effects on the consumer. However, it is interesting to note how the fermentation process and the use of certain ingredients can lead to detectable traces of alcohol in these popular treats.
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Alcohol is present in the mouth, not the blood
Hot cross buns contain yeast, raisins, and dough, and when combined at higher temperatures, they undergo fermentation, creating alcohol. This alcohol can be detected in the mouth by breathalysers, resulting in positive alcohol readings. However, it is important to understand that this alcohol is present only temporarily in the mouth and is not absorbed into the bloodstream.
Breathalysers used by law enforcement are designed to detect alcohol in the breath, which can indicate the presence of alcohol in the body. While hot cross buns can lead to positive breathalyser readings, the alcohol detected is not from the bloodstream but from the mouth. The amount of alcohol present in the mouth after consuming hot cross buns is minimal and does not reflect actual blood alcohol levels.
It is crucial to distinguish between the presence of alcohol in the mouth and its presence in the blood. The alcohol in the mouth from consuming hot cross buns is not sufficient to cause intoxication or impairment. It is essential to understand that the positive breathalyser readings do not indicate that the individual is under the influence of alcohol or unfit to drive.
The initial positive breathalyser readings from hot cross buns can be misleading. To obtain an accurate reading, it is recommended to wait for a short period, typically around 15 to 20 minutes, before retesting. This waiting period allows for any residual alcohol in the mouth to dissipate, ensuring that the breathalyser detects only the alcohol in the bloodstream, providing a true representation of an individual's alcohol consumption.
While hot cross buns can result in positive breathalyser readings due to the presence of alcohol in the mouth, it is important to clarify that this alcohol is not absorbed into the bloodstream. The positive readings do not indicate intoxication or impairment, and retesting after a brief waiting period can provide an accurate reflection of an individual's alcohol consumption, which would show no presence of alcohol.
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Breathalyser tests can be inaccurate
Breathalysers are commonly used to indicate intoxication in drunk driving cases, but they are not always accurate. They measure the amount of alcohol in exhaled air and provide an estimate of the blood alcohol content (BAC). However, only a blood test can give an accurate reading. Studies have shown that breathalyser readings vary by at least 15% from actual blood alcohol levels, with 23% of subjects having breathalyser results that exceed their true blood alcohol levels.
There are several factors that can cause inaccurate breathalyser results. One factor is the presence of other compounds in the breath, such as food or drink with trace amounts of alcohol. For example, hot cross buns have been known to cause false alcohol readings due to the small amount of alcohol in the spice flavouring. The alcohol is present in the mouth for a very short time and is not processed by the body, but it can still affect the breathalyser reading. Similarly, breath fresheners and other foods with trace amounts of alcohol can also affect the results.
Another factor that can impact the accuracy of breathalyser tests is the temperature, including body temperature and air temperature. A person's body temperature can affect their BAC reading, with a higher body temperature resulting in an increased BAC reading. Additionally, the outdoor temperature can affect the accuracy of the breathalyser device if it is not calibrated or adjusted to account for the temperature.
Medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also affect breathalyser results. In individuals with GERD, alcohol can move from the stomach to the back of the throat, resulting in a higher and inaccurate BAC reading. Even those without GERD may experience incorrect BAC readings if they have recently eaten a meal that causes acid reflux, such as greasy or spicy foods.
Furthermore, human error and the maintenance of breathalyser devices can also lead to inaccurate results. Breathalysers need to be calibrated regularly, and if they are not properly maintained and calibrated, the results can be incorrect. Law enforcement officials must ensure proper calibration and maintenance of the devices and receive adequate training in their use.
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Alcohol in spice flavouring
It is true that hot cross buns can give a positive alcohol reading on a breathalyser test. This is due to the spice flavouring used in the buns, which contains a significant amount of alcohol. A baker on Reddit commented that the spice flavouring mentioned in the news article is 60% alcohol and is added in small amounts to the mix and the glaze. Certain bakeries may also soak the sultanas in alcohol. It was noted that the baker expected the alcohol to evaporate during the baking process, especially when the buns are glazed while still hot, but this does not seem to be the case. The alcohol is present in the mouth for a short time and is not enough to be processed by the body and show up in a blood test.
Spices and herbs are commonly used to enhance the flavour of both food and drinks. Spices can be added to alcoholic beverages to create unique and tasty cocktails. For example, basil, a delicate and sweet spice, pairs well with lighter spirits like gin. Rosemary, a zesty and aromatic spice, can be used in sweeter, citrus-based cocktails. Cardamom, an earthy and tangy spice, is commonly used in Indian cuisine and Chai concentrate, and it can also be added to alcoholic drinks like spiked Chai. Cilantro, known for its soapy flavour, can be used as a palate cleanser in tropical drinks. Tarragon, with hints of licorice and anise, complements the molasses tang of golden rum. In addition to cocktails, spices can also be paired with wine to complement spicy dishes. Sweet or off-dry white wines, such as Riesling, Moscato, and Chenin Blanc, have a honeyed mouthfeel that cools the burn of chile-infused sauces.
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Alcohol may not burn off during baking
Hot cross buns have been known to cause false alcohol readings on breathalysers. This is because the spice flavouring used in the buns contains 60% alcohol, which is added to the mix and the glaze. Some bakeries may also soak the sultanas in alcohol. Although it was previously assumed that the alcohol would evaporate during the baking process, this is not always the case.
The amount of heat applied also matters. Higher temperatures burn off more alcohol. Additionally, the amount of alcohol initially added, the alcohol content of the wine, beer, or spirit used, and the physical dimensions of the cookware all play a role in determining the levels of alcohol in the final dish.
It is worth noting that the percentage of alcohol remaining may be very low and is unlikely to significantly impact blood alcohol levels or cause someone to exceed drink-driving limits. However, it is still possible for small amounts of alcohol to be detected, as seen in the case of hot cross buns.
To ensure that all alcohol is removed from food, it is recommended to cook dishes for at least three hours. This was confirmed by a study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Nutrient Data Lab, which found that food baked or simmered in alcohol for 15 minutes still retained 40% of the alcohol, and even after two and a half hours, 5% remained.
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Frequently asked questions
Hot cross buns contain yeast, raisins, and dough, and when combined at a higher temperature, this can cause fermentation and create alcohol. The alcohol is present for a short time in the mouth but is not enough to be processed by the body and show up in a blood test.
While hot cross buns may give a positive alcohol reading on a breathalyser, this is not an indication of blood alcohol content. The alcohol is present in the mouth for a short time and will not impact your ability to drive.
In the video, a truck driver ate a hot cross bun and then blew into a breathalyser, resulting in a positive alcohol reading. The high reading was likely due to the presence of yeast and fruit in the bun, which can cause inaccurate readings.
No, you will not be arrested for simply eating hot cross buns and driving. The alcohol content in the buns is minimal and will not affect your blood alcohol content. However, it is important to practice safe driving habits and avoid consuming alcohol before driving.
Other foods that may contain alcohol or impact a breathalyser reading include energy or fruit-based drinks, vinegar, vanilla extract, mouthwash, and foods cooked in liquor. It's important to be aware of these potential sources of alcohol and practice safe consumption habits.
