This is in response to Don Kaufman’s letter in the March 20 issue of the Reporter. I am with you 100 percent. I am an employee of a major grocery chain with two locations in the city of Kirkland. Not only is a food borne illness a risk for consumers, it is also a risk for employees, along with other factors.

For example, there is a documented case that happened at a major chain located at the Parkplace shopping center where an employee was stuck with a hypodermic needle hidden under a bunch of mail inside a reusable bag while loading groceries into it.

In a personal experience I have encountered, I was loading a bag that had a substance on it that by appearance and odor could only be described as “fecal matter.” Reusable bags are one of the most disgusting things I have ever dealt with day-to-day.

The company I work for has also implemented a PSA, which airs over the music speaker system, reminding people to wash their reusable bags often. Clearly the company is aware of the risks and professionally addresses them.

I urge the city of Kirkland to please repeal the ban ASAP for the safety of both customers and employees whom handle this stuff day-to-day.

Kevin C. Lewis, Kirkland