Optical information reader

An optical information reader, comprising:

• a lighting unit configured to emit illumination light to an information code;
• a first polarizing unit arranged on a light-exit side of the illumination unit;
• a light receiving unit configured to receive light reflected from the information code;
• a second polarizing unit arranged on a light-reception side of the light receiving unit;
• and
• a reading unit configured to read the information code based on light reception results at the light receiving unit, wherein
• the first polarizing unit is configured to polarize the illumination light in a predetermined polarization direction, and
• the second polarizing unit is configured as a switchable polarizing unit which is switchable to either one of a state where the reflected light is polarized in a direction different from the predetermined polarization direction and a state where the reflected light passes through the second polarizing unit without being polarized.