The General Traffic Directorate of Spain (DGT), in collaboration with the Civil Guardia, has been reinforcing alcohol controls throughout the year. The goal is clear: to wage the accidents caused by the wheel alcohol. In this follow-up, the warning about a fruit, much produced in the Algarve, which can even influence the ‘balloon’ test was launched.
The latest legislative changes in the neighboring country point to a hardening of the rules. The allowed rate of blood alcohol can fall from 0.5 to just 0.2 grams per liter, considerably reducing the margin of error.
Mature fruits enter the equation
Interestingly, and according to, this new limit raises unexpected questions. Ingestion of certain very ripe fruits can lead to a positive result in the balloon test, even without alcohol consumption.
Highlighted bowl among unusual cases
The fruit of the bowl, much appreciated in the Algarve and used in the production of regional brandy, is one of the foods pointed out as alcohol enhancers in the body. Fermentation may occur after ingestion.
In Serra Algarvia, the cadronhoy is a rooted practice, especially in the fall. The fruit is consumed fresh, transformed into sweets or distilled. However, its natural sugar content can lead to alcohol formation.
Natural fermentation can surprise conductors
This transformation happens when fruits sugars, such as glucose and fructose, ferment in hot and wet environments, thanks to the action of yeasts present in the shell or in the environment, according to the Spanish portal.
Once inside the stomach, the fermentation of this fruit can continue, producing small amounts of ethanol, the same alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. This can raise the rate of alcohol in road tests.
Small excesses can make a difference
With the rate to be set at 0.2 g/l, until slight internal fermentation can suffice to exceed the legal limit, according to the same source. If Spain advances at this rate, the number of false positives may increase significantly.
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More fruits with potential to give positive
In addition to the bowl, other fruits such as banana and grape, when very mature, have the same risk. Consumption in high quantities or in combination with other fermentable foods can accentuate the effect.
Alcoholic desserts are also on the radar
Liquor chocolates or spirits -based desserts such as whiskey or rum cakes are other unlikely sources of alcohol that may surprise alcohol tests, according to the Republican National Guard.
Security is first
Despite the exceptions, the DGT, cited by the same source, points out that the intention of the new rules is to safeguard lives. Even small amounts of alcohol can compromise the reflexes of the driving.
With this scenario, it becomes essential to sensitize drivers. Knowing that certain foods can influence the outcome of a test can avoid unnecessary sanctions.
Tighter control on critical dates
Tests are intensified at specific heights of the year, such as long holidays and weekends. Spanish authorities maintain a focus on prevention.
Alert that crosses borders
For those who appreciate the cadronhok Algarve, the best way to avoid surprises may even be not to drive after consuming it, even if it is just the fruit.
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