Canadian researchers have found that some 40 percent of commercial disinfectants used for surfaces are believed to be ineffective in eliminating noroviruses.

Responsible for more than half of all foodborne gastroenteritis outbreaks, Noroviruses are a group of viruses.

Noroviruses are a group of viruses responsible for more than half of all foodborne gastroenteritis outbreaks, says Julie Jean, a professor at the University of Laval.

The efficacy of three major categories of household disinfectants in eliminating noroviruses: bleach-based products, alcohol-based products and quaternary ammonium-based products, was tested by Jean.

The study also found that only bleach-based disinfectants drastically reduce the concentration of these viruses.

It was shown by the laboratory tests showed that five minutes of contact with a bleach-based disinfectant reduced the concentration of noroviruses on a stainless steel surface by a factor of
1,000, while alcohol- and quaternary ammonium-based products proved 100 times less effective.

Jean says in a statement, "Our results are of particular concern considering that some 40 percent of the commercial surface disinfectants on the market are alcohol or ammonium based." (With Inputs from Agencies)