GB 2760-96 provides it as allowable food processing aids with GMP as limit.
It can be used as the cleaning liquid for the removal of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide in the gas. Esters generated from the reaction between triethanolamine and higher fatty acids are widely used as detergents, emulsifiers, wetting agents and lubricants as well as for the preparation of cosmetic balsam. Triethanolamine can also be used as preservatives and waterproofing agents, analysis reagents and solvents. In the nitrile rubber polymerization, it is used as an activator. It can also be used as the emulsifier, stabilizer, textile softer of oil and wax. MEA monoetanolamina is one of the components of oiling agent of synthetic fiber.