set_recipe_instructions · Mcp Mealie MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What set_recipe_instructions does on Mcp Mealie

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why set_recipe_instructions needs a policy

This tool modifies recipe instructions, which is a data write operation. It is reversible (instructions can be updated or deleted later), so it falls under Write rather than Destructive. The blast radius is medium because incorrect instructions could affect meal planning and food preparation, but the data can be corrected.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'set_recipe_instructions' indicates modification of recipe data. Server context shows this is part of Mealie's recipe management API. The action of 'set' implies creating or updating recipe instructions, which is reversible.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

set_recipe_instructions Rate-limited

set_recipe_instructions 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": {
    "set_recipe_instructions": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "set_recipe_instructions_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 Mcp Mealie, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about set_recipe_instructions

What does the set_recipe_instructions tool do? +

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

How do I enforce a policy on set_recipe_instructions? +

Register the Mcp Mealie MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for set_recipe_instructions: 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 Mcp Mealie. Nothing to install.

What risk level is set_recipe_instructions? +

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

Can I rate-limit set_recipe_instructions? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the set_recipe_instructions 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 set_recipe_instructions completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for set_recipe_instructions. 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 set_recipe_instructions? +

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