Racial Disparities in Menu-Labeling Usage: Analysis of the 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Sugar-Sweetened Beverage and Menu-Labeling Module

Objectives: Race/ethnic disparities in obesity are widely reported and are often attributed to diet-related factors, such as menu-labeling usage. We aimed to determine whether racial difference exists in menu-labeling usage. Methods: Data from the 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were used. Menu labeling was measured from the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Menu Labeling module administered in 18 states. We stratified the population into four race/ethnic categories: non-Hispanic whites (reference, n = 66,019, 63%), non-Hispanic blacks (n = 13,623, 13%), Hispanics (n = 14,671, 14%), and others (n = 7336, 7%). Logistic regression was used to examine the racial/ethnic differences in menu-labeling usage. Analyses were conducted adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, sugar-sweetened beverage intake, and exercise. Results: The prevalence of menu-labeling usage was approximately 55% overall. Hispanics (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14–1.60) and other race/ethnic groups (AOR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.18–1.64) used menu labeling more compared to non-Hispanic whites. After stratification by race/ethnicity, menu-labeling usage was not associated with exercise or soda consumption among Hispanics, but significant associations were observed among the other three race/ethnic groups. Conclusions: The findings suggest that participation in healthy behaviors was associated with the higher usage of menu labeling across all racial/ethnic groups except Hispanics. Future studies are needed to explore this mechanism among individuals engaging in unhealthier behavior as well as how it affects Hispanics.