update_recipe · Mealie MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_recipe does on Mealie MCP Server

AI agents use update_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 update_recipe needs a policy

This tool modifies (updates) recipe data in the Mealie database. It is reversible because recipes can be edited again or restored, distinguishing it from deletion (Destructive). The blast radius is moderate: incorrect recipe modifications could affect meal plans or shopping lists derived from that recipe, but the impact is limited to recipe metadata and is not permanent.

From the tool's definition The tool description states it 'Replaces the ingredients and instructions of an existing recipe' — a modification operation that alters existing data reversibly.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_recipe Rate-limited

update_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": {
    "update_recipe": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_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 update_recipe

What does the update_recipe tool do? +

Replaces the ingredients and instructions of an existing recipe. PREFERRED: Use structured ingredients with {quantity, unit, food, note} for proper tracking in Mealie. This enables meal planning and shopping list features. Plain text strings are supported as fallback but lose these benefits. When using structured ingredients with a food name that doesn. 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 update_recipe? +

Register the Mealie MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update_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 update_recipe? +

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

Can I rate-limit update_recipe? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the update_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 update_recipe completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for update_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 update_recipe? +

update_recipe is provided by the Mealie MCP Server MCP server (that0n3guy/mealie-mcp-server-ts). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.