A French court of appeal has definitively closed the criminal investigation into the chlordécone pesticide scandal, confirming a previous non-suit ruling. The decision, delivered on June 22, 2026, effectively ends the possibility of prosecution related to the widespread use of the harmful pesticide in the French Antilles. Chlordécone was used extensively in banana plantations despite early warnings about its toxicity. This ruling follows two decades of legal proceedings initiated by victims seeking accountability. The decision has been met with dismay by those affected, who view it as a significant setback in their pursuit of justice. The closure prevents any further criminal inquiry into the health crisis caused by the pesticide’s contamination.