VCIC                                    For additional information contact:
                                        G.S. Donovan (630) 789-4900
                                        K.K. Duttlinger (630) 789-4900

                        VISKASE COMPANIES, INC. ANNOUNCES
                    THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE HAS CLOSED
                     ITS INVESTIGATION OF THE SAUSAGE CASINGS
                      AND SPECIALTY PLASTIC FILMS INDUSTRIES

WILLOWBROOK, ILLINOIS, October 17, 2002 - Viskase Companies, Inc. (the
"Company") today announced that it has been advised by the Antitrust Division
of the United States Department of Justice ("DOJ") that the DOJ has closed
its investigation of the sausage casings and specialty plastic films
industries.  Accordingly, no action on this matter will be taken by the DOJ.
The Company fully cooperated with the DOJ during the investigation that began
in 1997.

F. Edward Gustafson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company
stated, "We are pleased with the DOJ's decision to close its lengthy
investigation.  There is no basis for the pending class action lawsuits that
were filed as a result of the grand jury investigation and the Company will
continue to vigorously defend these claims."

Viskase Companies, Inc. has its major interests in food packaging.  Principal
products manufactured are cellulosic and nylon casings used in the
preparation and packaging of processed meat products.


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