patch_recipe · Mealie MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What patch_recipe does on Mealie MCP Server

AI agents use patch_recipe to create or update resources in Mealie MCP Server — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Mealie MCP Server environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why patch_recipe needs a policy

The tool performs a partial update (PATCH operation) on recipe data, which is a write operation that modifies existing data but can be undone by patching again or reverting changes. This is reversible (unlike delete/destructive operations) and does not execute arbitrary code, trigger external systems, or move financial resources.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'patch_recipe' and description 'Partially update an existing recipe in Mealie' indicate a reversible modification operation on recipe data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

patch_recipe Rate-limited

patch_recipe stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "patch_recipe": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "patch_recipe_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Mealie MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about patch_recipe

What does the patch_recipe tool do? +

Partially update an existing recipe in Mealie. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Mealie MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on patch_recipe? +

Register the Mealie MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for patch_recipe: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Mealie MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is patch_recipe? +

patch_recipe is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit patch_recipe? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the patch_recipe rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block patch_recipe completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for patch_recipe. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides patch_recipe? +

patch_recipe is provided by the Mealie MCP Server MCP server (nikopol666/mealie-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.