Kumis in Kazakhstan: Why Young People Risk Driving After the Drink

In Kazakhstan, kumis is gaining popularity among young people, becoming a staple at gatherings with friends and parties. The national drink is now readily available in supermarkets, and many mistakenly consider it a virtually non-alcoholic alternative to other beverages. However, experts warn of the dangers of consuming kumis before getting behind the wheel, reports infohub.kz.

A correspondent for KTK channel conducted an experiment to test the alcohol content in kumis. After drinking a glass of the beverage, he took a breathalyzer test: initially, the device showed zero, but later the result was 2.45 promille. Narcologist Korlan Yeleuova explained that such a reading indicates the presence of ethyl alcohol in kumis, which is extremely dangerous for drivers.

Experts note that some drivers try to justify their intoxication by claiming they only drank kumis, insisting they had nothing stronger. However, as Madi Tokanov, head of the Mental Health Center in Mangystau Region, said, a repeat examination reveals alcohol in the blood at concentrations of 1.5–2 promille. He emphasized that kumis, being a trendy drink, can cause a feeling of intoxication.

Kumis producers also point out that some young people choose this drink not only for its taste and fashion but also for the mild intoxication effect. Yerzhan Telmanuly, a kumis producer, noted that people often deceive themselves by claiming they only drink kumis, but they do so daily. In terms of alcohol content, kumis can be comparable to beer.

It is worth noting that the presence of alcohol in kumis is not a sensation: it forms naturally during fermentation. The problem is that the strength of the drink can vary, and consumers often do not know the exact alcohol content. Moreover, there is no separate control over the alcohol content in privately produced kumis. Experts advise paying attention to the ingredients and storage conditions of the product. Drivers are advised to remember a simple rule: kumis is not an excuse, and getting behind the wheel after consuming it is not advisable.