[wil421]

Lacto only requires a specific salt level to keep the bad bacteria out. I doubt caveman humans cared much about sanitary conditions. Also, I doubt the vessels they used would be air tight (except to expel gases) like the ones I use.

Modern humans have genes to process alcohol and some populations don’t have the gene (Asian flushing). Alcohol and fermented fruit were probably sources of calories and drinkable water for many populations.

[giantg2]

"Alcohol and fermented fruit were probably sources of calories and drinkable water for many populations."

I'm questioning how this could have preceeded the formation of advanced brains at a level to contribute to the formation of advanced brains.

[kelipso]

There are tons of articles about monkeys routinely eating fermented fruits, so advanced brains aren't required for that.

E.g. https://news.berkeley.edu/2022/03/30/monkeys-routinely-eat-f...

[vanattab]

I bet they did care a great deal about food poisoning. A few days of vomiting and fever could be a death sentence.