A bar code reader (100) is arranged to communicate with a host apparatus (200). The bar code reader includes a read unit that reads a bar code (50) attached to an article, and outputs bar code information corresponding to the read bar code; a term information acquisition unit that acquires term information included in the bar code information; and a term expiration check unit that checks whether the shelf life of the article has expired based on the term information. A notification unit notifies that the shelf life of the article has expired upon determination by the term expiration check unit to the host apparatus (200). By performing its own expiration check, the bar code reader reduces the load on the host apparatus.