Neutral Electrolyzed Water Reduces Norovirus in Lab Tests
Efficacy of Neutral Electrolyzed Water for Inactivation of Human Norovirus
This research was done on cells or tissue in a lab, not in people or animals.
- Evidence type
- Laboratory study (cells or tissue)
- Authors
- Eric Moorman, Naim Montazeri, Lee-Ann Jaykus
- Journal
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology
- Year
- 2017
- PMID
- 28600317
- Study Type
- Cell Culture
- Delivery
- Water (Electrolysis)
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 45 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- United States
TL;DR
A disinfectant called neutral electrolyzed water (NEW) can effectively kill norovirus on clean stainless steel surfaces if used for long enough.
Key Finding
Neutral electrolyzed water at 250 ppm completely inactivated human norovirus on clean stainless steel surfaces after 30 minutes of contact by degrading the virus's protective capsid protein.
Summary
Researchers tested a disinfectant called neutral electrolyzed water (NEW) to see how well it kills human norovirus, a common cause of food poisoning. When applied to clean stainless steel surfaces for 30 minutes, the disinfectant at a concentration of 250 parts per million completely inactivated the virus by breaking down its protective outer shell. However, the disinfectant was much less effective on dirty surfaces, suggesting pre-cleaning is necessary.
Practical Takeaway
This study demonstrates a laboratory finding about disinfection efficacy, not about hydrogen water for human consumption. The research examined electrolyzed water as a surface disinfectant for norovirus in healthcare and food service settings, not as a beverage. This is a disinfection application, not a health supplement study, so it has no direct relevance to drinking hydrogen water.
Abstract (excerpt)
ABSTRACT Human norovirus (NoV) is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. Persistence on surfaces and resistance to many conventional disinfectants contribute to widespread transmission of norovirus. We examined the efficacy of neutral electrolyzed water (NEW; pH 7) for inactivation…