
“Introduction to Foodborne Viruses“
Where: Online (via Zoom)
When? all 13:00 to 17:00 GMT
Tuesday 23rd September
Monday 27th October
Thursday 27th November
Duration: 4 hours

Aims and Objectives:
This course is designed to rapidly advance you and/or your team’s knowledge of foodborne viruses in food supply chains.
This training course, assuming no prior knowledge of the subject, will encompass the following areas:
- Properties and classifications of the main foodborne viruses.
- Exploring transmission pathways – how are they spread?.
- Identifying symptoms – what to look out for.
- Understanding the mechanisms of viral contamination – how does food become contaminated?.
- Methods for detection of foodborne viruses.
- Strategies for control and prevention.
- Q&A – Ask the expert
The course duration is 4 hours and can be either online and will be delivered via Zoom, or if you prefer you can take advantage of better networking opportunities between your staff and hold this in person at a location of your choice – I can deliver the training course anywhere in the UK.
A confirmation email will be sent prior to the training course with the joining link.
The course will be delivered by foodborne virus expert and experienced trainer Dr. Martin D’Agostino PhD, MRSB, FIFST.
A certificate of attendance will be sent via e-mail upon completion of the course as well as a key facts summary sheet.
Who Should Attend:
This course is designed for technical managers, Food Business Operators (FBOs), and individuals engaged in the production of foods, handling of foods, retail and hospitality sectors. Importantly, no prior expertise in foodborne viruses is necessary.
To maintain an interactive learning experience, the number of participants in this course is limited.
Register Now:
Secure your place now by email to martin.dagostino@virosafety.co.uk. You will need to provide the following information:
- Full Name
- Affiliation/Organisation (if applicable)
- (for public access dates) your preferred date – choose from 23/09/2025; 27/10/2025; OR 27/11/2025
- Contact Telephone Number
- Optional: A brief note on your interest in foodborne viruses and any specific topics you hope the course will cover
Upon receipt of your email, you will receive a confirmation of registration along with details regarding the course fees and payment methods – credit card payments are acceptable. Instructions on how to proceed with the payment will be provided.
Please note: Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Your place in the course will be secured once payment has been received and processed – payment is upfront only when the course is delivered online.
Cost:
Standard Rate
- £300 per participant.
Discount for Groups of 3–9 Participants
- 10% discount for bookings of 3–9 participants from the same organisation (£270 per participant).
Special Group Rate for 10 or More Participants
Additional participants above 10 are charged at £175 each.
£1,750 for the first 10 participants (equivalent to £175 per person).
About the Trainer: Dr. Martin D’Agostino, MRSB, FIFST
Dr. Martin D’Agostino, a leading Food Virologist, brings over twenty years of experience in hands-on detection of foodborne viruses, including norovirus, hepatitis A virus and hepatitis E virus, with significant roles in industry, governmental sectors, and as the Principal Virologist at Campden BRI. His career is marked by contributions that have helped shape public health and food safety practices particularly in the area of foodborne pathogens, having co-authored over 35 publications, including book chapters, book editing and peer reviewed articles since 2000.
An active participant in various ISO expert working groups, Dr. D’Agostino is involved in the development of international food safety standards. He is also an expert member of the SafeFood Knowledge Network for food safety professionals; a Member of the Royal Society of Biology and a Fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology. Martin gained his PhD via a part-time studentship at the University of Liverpool.
Renowned for his ability to simplify complex virology concepts, Dr. D’Agostino combines his extensive industry and academic experience in his training programmes. With over 25 years dedicated to educating professionals across various sectors, his courses are a blend of practical knowledge and theoretical depth, providing an exceptional learning experience in food safety.
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, the course organisers do not assume liability for any errors or omissions. The organisers reserve the right to change course content or delivery methods as required by the evolving nature of the subject matter.
The information provided in this course is intended solely for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional advice or consultation with regulatory authorities. Participants are advised that the application of the course material to specific circumstances may require additional considerations not within the scope of this course.
The views and opinions expressed in this course are those of the facilitator and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated institutions or agencies.
Course participants are responsible for ensuring that their participation complies with all relevant laws and regulations, including but not limited to those concerning data privacy and intellectual property.
By joining this course, participants acknowledge that they understand and agree to this disclaimer
Training Course Cancellation Policy
1. Objective: This policy aims to minimise disruptions caused by cancellations, ensuring the efficient allocation of resources and the viability of the course, which is limited.
2. Cancellation Notice: Participants wishing to cancel their enrolment must do so by e-mail to martin.dagostino@virosafety.co.uk. The notice period significantly impacts the feasibility of course arrangements; hence, the following conditions apply:
- More than 20 calendar days before the course start date: No cancellation fee.
- 10-20 days before the course start date: 50% of the course fee will be charged.
- Less than 7 days before the course start date: 100% of the course fee will be charged.
3. Exceptional Circumstances: We acknowledge that unforeseen circumstances may necessitate cancellation. In such cases, participants may submit a written request for waiver of the cancellation fee, providing relevant evidence. This request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and our decision will be communicated promptly.
4. Course Cancellation by Us: In the rare event that we must cancel a course, participants will be notified immediately, and a full refund will be processed or an alternative course date will be offered.
5. Non-attendance: Failure to attend the course without prior notice will be treated as a cancellation, and the full course fee will be charged.
6. Refunds: Refunds for cancellations within the stipulated notice periods will be processed within 30 days of the cancellation request.
7. Amendments to Bookings: If you wish to transfer your booking to a different course date or delegate your place to another individual, please contact us at least 7 days before the course start date. These requests will be accommodated subject to availability and may incur additional charges.
8. Policy Amendments: We reserve the right to update or amend this policy as necessary. Participants will be notified of significant changes in advance of their course start date