Another surprising source of false readings is spicy food. The reason is that spicy food does not react well with hydrochloric acid, a compound found in everyone’ stomach. When the enchilada (or any other spice meal) interacts with the acid it can create methane gas, which, at high levels, can lead to a false positive. The makers of one common IID system say that antacids and water will usually solve the problem and allow drivers to get back on the road without a false report.
In the same way that spicy food can lead to false positives, some diets might also lead to inaccurate results. Diabetics or those on certain kinds of high protein diets that raise their level of acetone can face a failed ignition interlock test. The IIDs occasionally misread the acetone as alcohol and incorrectly believe the driver has been drinking.
Perhaps the most bizarre source of false positives in an IID is cinnamon rolls. Yep, even a simple cinnamon roll can be enough to cause a driver to fail a breath test. The problem is that cinnamon rolls contain both yeast and sugar, two ingredients that can combine to create alcohol. Experts say that as with mouthwash, users should rinse their mouths out with water to avoid a potential false positive.
If subject to Minnesota Ignition Interlock, when to call a DUI Lawyer?
If you or someone you know is currently enrolled and reportedly in violation of Minnesota’s Ignition Interlock Program and believes this to be an error, contact our office for a review of the facts pertaining to your situation. Our DWI defense team has been successfully helping individuals throughout the great state of Minnesota for almost 20 years with regard to alcohol related driving violations.