Abstract: A detecting device detects whether a package material has been removed from a packaged object by a package removing device. A discharging device is disposed adjacent to the package removing device, for discharging the packaged object from which the package material has not been removed as detected by the detecting device. A delivering device delivers the unpackaged object in which the package material has been removed, from the removing device to a next processing station. In the event that the detecting device does not detect the removal of the package material from the packaged object within a predetermined period of time from the start of operation of the removing device, the discharging device discharges the packaged object from the removing device into the discharge chute.