New Alcohol Additive Stirs Cocktail of Controversy

Debate has been stirring on social media over a new alcohol additive that allows people to drink without getting drunk.

Still being tested, the additive has raised public concerns that it would encourage people to drink and drive if made available on the market.

Wang Lihua, an associate professor at South Central University for Nationalities in Wuhan who helped develop the additive, explained the flavorless solution can be added to any alcoholic beverage.

When ingested, stomach acids trigger a chemical reaction that coagulates the alcohol, thus giving the body longer to metabolize it.

"Inebriation occurs as a result of alcohol circulating through our veins," said Wang. "These non-toxic agents solidify the alcohol, preventing it from entering the bloodstream."

A preliminary trial showed one out of nine test subjects failed a Breathalyzer 90 minutes after drinking 100 milliliters of alcohol.

The only drawback is the slight increase in viscosity, which some may find unpleasant, Wang said.

Opinions on social media were mixed."Isn't this illegal?" a netizen asked, adding it may pose a threat to road safety.

This article originally appeared on the Global Times website