There has been a burgeoning of literature on ethnicity and health in recent years. Although quality research in this field is most welcome, concern is mounting over the confusing and often inappropriate labelling of populations under study. We have undertaken a questionnaire survey of journal editors' views on terminology in relation to health research on ethnic minority groups. We found that although most of the journals surveyed did not have a clear policy on terminology, they recognised the importance of this issue and welcomed guidance to resolve the problem of inappropriate terminology in ethnicity and health research.