What foods do I avoid with my Interlock?

What Foods Do I Avoid with My Interlock?

Have you heard that some foods can create a ‘false positive’ reading on your Interlock? Is there any truth to that statement? Well, kind of.

Smart Start’s Interlocks are built on alcohol-specific, fuel cell technology. This means your Interlock will only process alcohol, but that can include the alcohol that is present in some foods that you consume. Using the term ‘false positive’, therefore, can be a little misleading.

So, what type of foods can cause an alcohol reading in an Ignition Interlock?

Spicy Foods

Spicy meals are constantly used as an example that will cause ‘false positive’ results in Interlocks. This is because spicy foods can create methane gas once digested, and that heightened level of gas can lead to a positive alcohol reading in non-alcohol-specific Interlocks, but NOT in Smart Start’s devices.

So enjoy your favorite hot meal without worrying about a false test – Smart Start’s got you covered!

Sugary Foods

Pastries (donuts, cinnamon rolls, etc.) or chocolate can create a low volume of alcohol when digested. The good news is that the alcohol in these sweets will dissipate within three minutes, so if you are eating a chocolate mint or donut, either wait a few minutes or rinse your mouth with water before testing with your Ignition Interlock.

Smart Start always recommends that you rinse your mouth with water before any breath test. This simple tip will help alleviate any stress from a ‘false positive’ test on your breathalyzer. Waiting a few minutes will also give some time for the alcohol in the food to completely dissipate.

Did we help ease your worries? We hope so! If you have any additional questions, our customer care team can walk you through your Interlock program at any time.

Need an Ignition Interlock?

If you need to schedule an Ignition Interlock installation appointment, call our friendly, 24/7 Customer Care Center at 800.831.3299 or fill out our online form!