What cleaning agent is effective against viruses, including norovirus?

A bleach solution is effective against viruses, including norovirus, because bleach is a strong disinfectant that can kill a wide range of pathogens. The active ingredient in bleach, sodium hypochlorite, works by disrupting the cellular structure of viruses, rendering them inactive. This is particularly important in food safety, as norovirus is highly contagious and can survive on surfaces for long periods. For effective disinfection, a bleach solution must be prepared at the appropriate concentration, typically a mixture of 1,000 to 5,000 parts per million (ppm) of chlorine, to ensure that it can eliminate viruses on surfaces commonly found in food service environments.

Other cleaning agents like soap and water can physically remove dirt and some microbes but are not reliable for killing viruses. Alcohol-based sanitizers may reduce the number of germs but are not effective against all viruses, particularly non-enveloped viruses like norovirus. Vinegar is a mild acid and is often thought to have some cleaning properties, but it does not have sufficient disinfecting strength to effectively kill norovirus or other harmful pathogens. Therefore, a bleach solution is the most reliable choice for sanitizing surfaces against viruses such as norovirus.