set_recipe_notes · Mcp Mealie MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What set_recipe_notes does on Mcp Mealie

AI agents use set_recipe_notes 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_notes needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies recipe metadata (notes) without deleting the recipe itself or triggering destructive operations. The modification is reversible — notes can be updated again or cleared. While it affects data, the blast radius is limited to a single recipe's notes field, making it Write rather than Execute (no external code/commands) or Destructive (changes are not permanent/irreversible).

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Replace a recipe's notes' — this modifies existing data (notes field) in a reversible manner. The word 'Replace' indicates an update operation rather than deletion or irreversible destruction.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

set_recipe_notes Rate-limited

set_recipe_notes 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_notes": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "set_recipe_notes_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_notes

What does the set_recipe_notes tool do? +

Replace a recipe's notes with the given JSON array. 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_notes? +

Register the Mcp Mealie MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for set_recipe_notes: 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_notes? +

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

Can I rate-limit set_recipe_notes? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the set_recipe_notes 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_notes completely? +

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

set_recipe_notes 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.