Abstract: A method for on-premise processing of articles such as food items bearing linear or two-dimensional bar code symbols comprises the steps of defining an on-premise storage unit such as a refrigerator or pantry for releasable storage of the articles, scanning and storing the bar codes of articles entering and withdrawn from the storage unit, scanning and storing the bar codes of articles returned to the storage unit following the withdrawal thereof from the storage unit and providing output indication of failure of correspondence of storage of stored bar codes in the steps of entry and withdrawal scanning and return scanning. A "shopping list" or inventory readout is obtainable from the failures of correspondence. Methods are provided also for processing two-dimensional bar codes symbols wherein messages encoded therein are selectively audibilized in connection with a refrigerator or pantry.