Kiss the Cod, Take the Shot

With U.S.-Canada tariffs making waves and debates over measles treatments heating up, it seems like the perfect time to talk about… cod. Yes, the fish — not the Call of Duty (COD) video game.

So what does cod have to do with Canada and disease treatments? More than you might think. Let’s dive in.

Just a Kiss
Would you be willing to kiss a cod? If so, you could earn yourself honorary Newfoundlander status in a “Screeched In” ceremony.

This tongue-in-cheek tradition celebrates Newfoundland’s history and culture, with a key player being Screech — a rum that became popular in the Canadian province through trade with the British West Indies. Originally a Demerara rum from Guyana, it was imported as part of a triangular trade that sent salted cod south to help feed people in the Caribbean and the Americas.

The modern “Screeched In” ceremony was the brainchild of Myrle Vokey, a Canadian teacher who introduced it in 1974 at a Canadian Teachers’ Federation Conference. Hoping to outshine the previous year’s festivities, he created a ritual that transforms visitors into honorary Newfoundlanders.

To be “Screeched In” participants recite a verse, eat a piece of bologna (affectionately called “Newfoundland steak”), take a shot of Screech rum, and — most famously — kiss a cod. They then receive a certificate marking their newfound status. Want to get a  better feel for a Screeched In celebration? Click here and listen to the song about Screeched In, from the musical Come From Away.

But if kissing a cod isn’t for you, how do you feel about cod liver oil?

A Spoonful of History
Cod liver oil has been a go-to remedy for centuries. Packed with vitamin A, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids, it’s  long been credited with boosting immune health, strengthening bones, and even improving mood. Fishermen and seafarers once relied on it to fend off ailments like rickets and scurvy, and grandmothers around the world have championed it as a cure-all for everything from joint pain to colds. However, too much vitamin A can lead to liver toxicity and bone loss, so moderation is key.

Historically, cod liver oil was even used to treat measles. Before vaccines, some doctors recommended it to ease symptoms, as its high vitamin A content was believed to support immune function and eye health — important since measles can sometimes cause vision problems. Today, vitamin A supplementation is still used in severe measles cases in malnourished children. But it’s no substitute for the MMR vaccine, which remains the most reliable protection against the disease.

Recently, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now leading the Department of Health and Human Services, has been pushing cod liver oil and steroids as a measles treatment during the current outbreak in the U.S. But once again, it’s no substitute for the MMR vaccine, which remains the most effective way to prevent measles.

The Parting Shot
So whether you’re taking  a shot of Screech before kissing a cod, or swallowing a spoonful of fishy medicine, there’s no denying that cod has made waves in history. But while a cod kiss might earn you honorary Newfoundlander status, its liver oil isn’t a treatment for measles — except in cases of vitamin A deficiency. When it comes to measles, the best remedy isn’t found in a bottle but in prevention — because an MMR vaccine beats a spoonful of cod liver oil every time.

Happy reading,

Suzanne Daniels

Enjoy the weekend!

Best,
Suzanne
Suzanne Daniels, Ph.D.
AEPC President
P.O. Box 1416
Birmingham, MI 48012
Office: (248) 792-2187
Email: [email protected]