​Authors examined the racial and ethnic differences in reported dietary practices among the largest minority groups of California children (15,902) ages 2 to 11 years, using data from the 2007 and 2009 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) to examine how race, ethnicity, sociodemographic characteristics, and child factors were associated with specific dietary practices. Substantial differences in fruit juice, fruit, vegetable, sugar-sweetened beverages, sweets, and fast-food consumption were found among the major racial and ethnic groups of children. Asians regardless of interview language were more likely than whites to have low vegetable intake consumption and low fruit consumption. Latinos regardless of interview language were also more likely than whites to have high fruit and fast-food consumption; but Latinos were less likely than whites to consume sweets.

Authors suggest that anticipatory guidance and dietary counseling might benefit from tailoring to specific ethnic groups to potentially address disparities in overweight and obesity.

• Alma D. Guerrero
• Paul J. Chung