Food Research, Education, Safety, and Health Act of 1998

Food Research, Education, Safety, and Health Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to States for consumer education food safety programs. Authorizes appropriations.

(Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out consumer education initiatives on food irradiation, especially ground beef and poultry; and (2) study the cost and feasibility of fruit and vegetable irradiation, and of new irradiation technologies. Authorizes appropriations.

(Sec. 5) Establishes a Food Safety Council which shall: (1) establish priorities for Federal food safety and related illness prevention activities, including necessary Federal agency updates; and (2) report annually to the appropriate committees. Authorizes appropriations.

(Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to make competitive grants to academic, governmental, and private entities for research to reduce the threat of food-borne pathogens. Authorizes appropriations.

(Sec. 7) Directs the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects to reduce the threat of food-borne pathogens. Obligates Department of Agriculture funds for such purpose.

(Sec. 8) Authorizes appropriations for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention detection of food-borne pathogens through equipment acquisition and new employment positions for scientists.

Authorizes appropriations for National Institutes of Health research on treatment of food-borne illnesses.

(Sec. 9) Directs the Secretary to establish a Food Safety Research Information Office in the National Agricultural Library.

(Sec. 10) Directs the Secretary to conduct pathogen risk assessments with respect to food animals, fruits and vegetables, and home food safety practices.

(Sec. 11) Authorizes appropriations for the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to decrease imported food health risks through equipment acquisition and new employment positions for microbiologists and inspectors.