Will eating fermented sticky rice increase your blood alcohol level when you take a breathalyzer test?

Fermented rice is a familiar dish during the Dragon Boat Festival, but the fermentation process produces alcohol, which can lead to the detection of alcohol in a driver's breath.

According to Associate Professor, Doctor Nguyen Trong Hung of the National Institute of Nutrition, fermented rice (also known as rice wine) is a traditional dish often served during the Dragon Boat Festival (the 5th day of the 5th lunar month).

This dish is made from cooked glutinous rice, which is cooled, then mixed with yeast and fermented for about 3-4 days. After fermentation, the rice wine has a sweet and spicy taste, a distinctive aroma, and releases a certain amount of liquid.

Many people believe that fermented rice is just food and therefore does not affect driving ability. However, Dr. Hung stated that the fermentation process produces a certain amount of alcohol. Therefore, regardless of how much is consumed, users still risk having alcohol in their breath.

According to current regulations, drivers with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 0 will be penalized. Therefore, people should be cautious if they plan to drive after eating rice wine or similar fermented foods.

You may also like

Mr. Chau Sa Ray will serve as Chairman of the O Lam Commune Red Cross Society for the term 2026-2031.On June 25th, the Red Cross Society of O Lam commune (An Giang province) held its first delegate congress for the 2026-2031 term.

Closing ceremony of the 2026 fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue training course for conscripted soldiers.On June 25th, at Battalion 3 - E10, under the 10th Mobile Police Regiment, Mobile Police Command, the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department of An Giang Provincial Police held the closing ceremony for the training course on fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue for citizens fulfilling their obligation to join the People's Police in 2026.

Ho Chi Minh City traffic police handled over 76,000 traffic violations during the peak month.VTV.vn - After nearly a month of implementing a 45-day and night intensive campaign, the Traffic Police force of Ho Chi Minh City Police has handled more than 76,000 traffic violations.

Fermented rice is a familiar dish during the Dragon Boat Festival. (Photo: Nhu Loan)

Dr. Hung stated that there is currently no fixed timeframe applicable to everyone to determine how long after eating or drinking alcoholic beverages one can safely drive. The rate of alcohol elimination depends on many factors such as liver function, physical condition, and the metabolic capacity of each individual.

Even with small amounts, about a tablespoon of alcohol, people should rest for 1-2 hours before driving to reduce the risk of residual alcohol in their bodies.

Despite concerns about alcohol content, fermented rice remains a nutritious food if consumed appropriately. The fermentation process produces organic acids and adds fiber, contributing to improved digestion and reducing bloating and indigestion.

Some studies also suggest that fermented foods may help control blood sugar and contribute to a reduced risk of diabetes. Additionally, rice wine contains B vitamins and many nutrients beneficial for the skin, helping to fight oxidation and maintain natural moisture.

However, this dish is not suitable for everyone. Children, people with stomach problems, allergies, eczema, or chronic acne should limit their consumption to avoid adverse health effects.

You may also like

The rhythm of the harvest seasonUnder the scorching summer sun, these days, across the rice paddies of Tuyen Quang province, farmers are busily heading to the fields to meet the summer-autumn planting schedule. With the goal of planting nearly 52,000 hectares of rice, the atmosphere of labor and production is vibrant everywhere, with the sounds of plows and cheerful laughter creating a lively picture of hard work. Reporters' lenses have captured beautiful moments of a successful harvest for the farmers.

Remembering the old jackfruit seasonOne sunny day, the sun was blazing down on the yard. Mom came back from the garden and said that the jackfruit had all sprouted thorns, so she should pick them and tear them apart to dry them, because it would be a waste if they ripened and no one ate them. Hearing Mom say that, I suddenly remembered Grandma's basket of jackfruit so much.

Refusing to take a breathalyzer test, the driver rammed his car into a traffic police officer.

According to Vtcnews.vn

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/an-com-ruou-nep-thoi-nong-do-con-co-len-a489671.html